Jesse P. Farrar was born in Franklin County, Mo., February 28, 1825, and is the third of the eight children of Richard and Liddie (Harrison) Farrar. He was reared on a farm, and received his education in the common schools. In 1851 he bought a portion of the present homestead, which was then only fifty-acres of unimproved land, and which he cleared, and upon it erected a small cabin. By strict economy and good management he has prospered, and added to his first purchase until he now owns 262 acres. January 23,1851, he married Mary, daughter of Leo Bullock, and of the seven children born to their union all are living but one, viz.: Alice E., wife of James A. Mastin; Annie, wife of W. L. Bell; Ferdinand P., William F., George T. and Jesse R. February 27, 1886, Mrs. Farrar departed this life, and Mrs. Mastin is now keeping house for her father. Mr. Farrar is a stanch Republican, and has the well-merited esteem of bis neighbors.
Source: Goodspeed's Franklin County History, 1888, Goodspeed Publishing Co
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Richard Farrar is a native of Franklin County, Mo., and was born December 8, 1832; he is the seventh of the eight children of Richard, Sr., and Lydia (Harrison) Farrar. His educational advantages were those of the common schools, and his life was spent on the farm with his parents until their deaths, the father dying in 1879, and the mother in 1873. March 7, 1860, he was united in marriage with Nancy J., daughter of Bennett Thurmond. They are the parents of eight children, of whom six are living, viz.: Thomas J., Emma (now the wife of J. W. Calvird), Richard B., Charles E., Arthur F. and Lillian. Mr. Farrar still owns the old homestead of his father, consisting of 574 acres, to which he has made an addition, and which is well stocked with cattle, sheep, horses and hogs. He is also a member of the firm of R. Farrar & Son, of Champion City. A stanch Republican, he has never aspired to public office, having preferred the life of a quiet citizen, respected by all. He is one of the leading and substantial farmers of the county.
Source: Goodspeed's Franklin County History, 1888, Goodspeed Publishing Co
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Joseph Feth, farmer, was born in Berne, Germany, in 1832, and educated in the common schools. His parents passed their lives in the old country, never having crossed the waters. Joseph farmed in the old country, and then came to America in 1859, and after working in New Orleans for a short time he came to St. Louis. In 1862 he volunteered in the Thirty-third Missouri Infantry, Company H, United States Army, and served nearly three years. He was in the battles of Helena, Ark., Pleasant Hill, Old River Lake, Cupola, Spanish Fort and Nashville. He was twice wounded, once at Helena and once at Cupola. Having returned from the war, he lived in "Warren County, Mo., where in 1865 he married Mrs. Mary Kaffler, also a native of Berne, Germany, born in 1831. By her former marriage Mrs. Feth became the mother of five children, and had two children by her marriage to our subject. Mr. Feth is a Republican in politics, and he and family are members of the Catholic Church. He now owns a large farm, all of which he has made since the war.
Source: Goodspeed's Franklin County History, 1888, Goodspeed Publishing Co
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Andrew Fink, an early settler of Franklin County, is the son of Conrad and Dorothea (Voitlein) Fink, both natives of Bavaria; he was born in 1784, and she about eighteen years later. When a young man the father served for three years under the great Napoleon. The father was a millwright by trade, but, owing to exposure while in the army, died comparatively young; the mother died in 1843. Two years later their five children came to the United States. Our subject was the youngest of this family, and was born in Bavaria in 1832. He was educated in the common schools of Germany, and after coming to this country learned to read and write the English language by self-study. After working at New Orleans and St. Louis for some time he came to Franklin County in 1851, and preempted fifty-one acres of land. The same year he married Miss Elizabeth Gorg, a native of Bavaria, born in 1831, and began life with limited means. They purchased a little log store, with a stock of goods valued at $180, on twelve months' credit, and made this their home as well as their place of business. Soon after, he purchased some second-hand furniture at St. Louis, but the boat failed to put them off, and he never heard of his goods. To his marriage were born thirteen children, eight of whom are now living, viz.: Amelia, Andrew F., Julia, Martin L. G., Matilda, William B., Ida A. and Prances. All the family are members of the Lutheran Church, and are much respected citizens. During the war Mr. Fink was captain of Company C, Fifty-fifth Missouri Enrolled Militia, and lost nearly all of his possessions during that memorable struggle. He was a Democrat before the war, but since has been a Republican. He is well known and much respected throughout the county, and has held several offices with credit to himself and to the people, from 1858 to 1803, deputy sheriff, and deputy assessor six years, notary public eight years, and is now holding that position. He has.been a resident of Franklin County for thirty-six years, has a farm of 555 acres, and is accounted an honest, thrifty farmer.
Source: Goodspeed's Franklin County History, 1888, Goodspeed Publishing Co
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John Finney, a native of Bowling Green, Ky., was born in 1832, and was the tenth in the family of eleven children born to John and Elizabeth (Heart) Finney, the former of whom, whose parents were natives of Virginia, was himself a native of Kentucky, and a farmer by occupation. Mrs. Elizabeth Finney, was a daughter of John Heart. John Finney, subject of this sketch, immigrated with his parents to Warren County, Mo., in 1832, and to Franklin County in 1845, settling first at Berger Station. He owns 750 acres of cultivated land where he resides, well stocked and equipped for farming. In 1845 he married Miss Louisa Roark, a native of Franklin County, and a daughter of William and Nancy (Breeding) Roark, the latter a daughter of John and Elizabeth (Napper) Breeding, natives of East Tennessee. Mr. Breeding was a noted hunter and trapper, and took great delight in the chases and trappings. One John Breeding settled on Berger Creek, this county, about 1795; his son, William Breeding, was in the celebrated Indian fight on the Galena River, with Daniel Boone, and was wounded while looking out of One of the port holes of the boat; he died in Oregon, aged upwards of eighty years. William Roark was a son of James and Nancy (Finney) Roark. To Mr. and Mrs. John Finney seven children have been born, viz.: William R., Nancy J., John M., James H., Elijah, Zimri M., Benjamin F. (deceased). Mr. Finney is a Democrat politically, and a Master Mason.
Source: Goodspeed's Franklin County History, 1888, Goodspeed Publishing Co
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Finis C. Fisher was born in Franklin County, Mo., November 8, 1843, the son of Joseph W. and Mary (Hamilton) Fisher, natives, respectively, of Kentucky and Franklin County, Mo. The father was born about 1810, and has been a farmer all his life. His parents came to Missouri when he was a young child, at a very early day, and of this State he has been a resident ever since. The mother was born in 1820, and both are now living in Moselle, Mo. To their marriage seven children have been born, all now living. Finis C. was the third. He received his education in the schools of Franklin County, but finished at the Christian Brothers' Catholic school, of St. Louis. He remained with his father until twenty-six years of age, working in the lead mines of the place, and also engaged in other pursuits. In 1868 he married Miss Rachael Lundrum, who was born in Franklin County, Mo., January 20,1852, and who is the daughter of 8. G. Landrum. The fruits of this union were nine children, nil living: Marietta, Rosa E., Harper, Laura M., Minnie, Elmer L., Walter S., Josie F. and Margie E. After marriage Mr. Fisher turned his attention to farming for the next five years, and then again commenced to work in the Lost Hill Lead Mines, where he continued to work until 1880. He is now agent for the well-known Mount Hope and the Silver Lead Mining Company's Mines, but is also engaged in farming. In 1880 he began shipping all kinds of timber, walnut logs, etc. He is now engaged actively in agricultural pursuits. He is the owner of 820 acres, equally divided, farming and mining land, and is the owner of the Lost Hill lead mining property. He is a stanch Democrat in his political views and a good citizen.
Source: Goodspeed's Franklin County History, 1888, Goodspeed Publishing Co
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Squire Fitzgerald, a prominent farmer of Franklin County, and a carpenter by trade, is a son of Washington Fitzgerald. The latter came to Missouri with his father, from Mason County, Ky., in 1818. They first settled in St. Louis County, and afterward moved to Franklin County, where they settled on what is now known as the Maupin Place, March 9, 1858. June 19, 1828, Washington Fitzgerald married Ann, daughter of William Hibber, and of the twelve children born to them nine are still living. Squire Fitzgerald was born July 21, 1829, was reared on a farm, and, being of studious habits, acquired a good education in addition to the limited schooling received. October 30, 1849, he married Eliza J., daughter of Thomas Wiseman, of St. Louis County, Mo. Seven children blessed this union, six of whom are still living, viz.: Isaiah S., Evi W., Bessie A., William P. (a physician), Nancy L. and Addison G. A few years after his marriage Mr. Fitzgerald removed to Franklin County, and rented a farm of 150 acres, subsequently purchasing 360 acres adjoining, and, as a result of his industry and economy, is now the possessor of 300 acres, besides having given a son sixty acres. He is a member of the Masonic lodge, which society held its meetings at his house for a number of years. Politically, he is a Democrat. Mr. and Mrs. Fitzgerald are worthy members of the Old School Presbyterian Church, to which they give cheerful aid.
Source: Goodspeed's Franklin County History, 1888, Goodspeed Publishing Co
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Gustaf G. Frentrop, Jr., member of the firm of W. L. Shelton&Co., dealers in lumber, sash, blinds, doors, moldings, etc., at New Haven, Mo., is a native of St. Louis, born January 4, 1862, and is the youngest but one of a family of five children born to the union of Frederick and Frederica (Schuerkamp) Frentrop, natives of Prussia, who, prior to their marriage, had emigrated to the United States. They were married in St. Louis, and here passed the remainder of their days, the father dying in 1872, at the age of forty, and the mother in 1867, at the age of thirty. The father was a teamster by occupation, and was twice married. Our subject came to Cedar Fork, Franklin Co., Mo., and lived with his grandparents until about thirteen years of age, when his grandfather died, and he and his brother then took charge of the store for their grandmother until 1881. His brother then going into mercantile business at Labaddie, Mo., Gustav G. remained until 1884 with his grandmother on the farm. At the latter date he came to New Haven and soon found employment with W. L. Shelton, with whom he soon entered into partnership, as above stated. September 9, 1886, he wedded Miss Julia Brinkman, a native of Washington, Mo., and the daughter of Casper and Louisa Brinkman, natives of Germany. Mr. Frentrop is a Republican, and cast his first presidential vote for J. G. Blame, in 1884.
Source: Goodspeed's Franklin County History, 1888, Goodspeed Publishing Co
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Capt. Adolphus Frick, one of the leading tanners and stock raisers of Lyon Township, is a native of Lahr, Germany, born in 1835, the only son of five children born to Jacob and Madeline (Herpst) Frick, who were born, respectively, in 1800 and 1805, and were married in 1828. Mr. Frick, a tanner by trade, served for some years as city councilman, and died in 1857; his widow died in 1883. Adolphus Frick remained at home until fifteen years of age, receiving his education at the college in his native city; he then went to France, where he spent two years, and in 1854 came to the United States, spending nearly two years in Cincinnati, Ohio, and subsequently coming to Franklin County. In 1858 he married Elvina, daughter of John Eberhard and Marie E. Vitt, natives of Prussia, who came to this country in 1853. Eight children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Frick, viz.: Ida, wife of Samuel Geft, of La Salle County, Ill.; Bertha, wife of Charles Goebel; Lillie, wife of William Meinhart, of Iroquois County, Ill.; Emma, wife of Fred Meinhart, of Iroquois County, Ill.; Edward, Amelia, Anna and Oscar. When Mr. Frick first came to Franklin he purchased eight acres of his present farm, which he has increased to 200 acres, all well improved and situated in one of the best wheat-growing sections of the county; he turns his attention principally to stock breeding, having a fine herd of thoroughbred short-horn cattle. He is also quite largely engaged in shipping hogs and cattle, and his grain growing is confined mostly to corn, oats and hay, which are all consumed on the farm. He ran a general store on his farm, which are eight miles southwest of Washington, from 1856 until 1866, and during that time and since, with the exception of about one year, has been postmaster of Campbellstown Post office. In 1874 he was appointed notary public, but did not act. Since 1886 he has been justice of the peace. In 1861 he organized Company D, of the Franklin County United States Reserve Corps, for three months serving as captain, and operated on the Missouri Pacific Railway. At, the expiration of that service he enlisted in Company I, Seventeenth Missouri Volunteer Infantry, of which he was also made captain, and after a short service in Missouri he resigned. From 1863 until the close of service he commanded Company E, of the Enrolled Missouri Militia, operating in Franklin County. In politics, Mr. Frick is an active Republican, casting his first vote for President for Lincoln.
Source: Goodspeed's Franklin County History, 1888, Goodspeed Publishing Co
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Bernard Fricke, dealer in watches, clocks and jewelry, of Washington, is a native of Washington, Mo., born December 9, 1856, and is the son of Charles A. and Charlotte (Rothemueller) Fricke. The father was born in Washington, Mo., in 1831, and was the son of Bernard Fricke, a native of Prussia, born in 1799. Bernard Fricke came to Washington, Mo., in 1832, and was a saddler by trade, but in his latter days was proprietor of the Washington House. He engaged in that business in 1852, and was proprietor of the same many years. He died in 1882. Charles A. clerked in St. Louis a few years, and afterward assisted his father in the Washington House. He died in 1876. His wife was born in Han¬over, Germany, and is now living. Of the six children born to their marriage four are now living: Bernard, Charles A., Julia (wife of J. J. Schappart) and Felix W. Our subject was educated in the public schools of Washington, and at the age of fourteen went to St. Louis and commenced learning the jewelers' trade, and worked as an apprentice for four years. He afterward worked for two years in the city as a journeyman. He then worked in Kansas City six months, and in 1877 went to Lewiston, Ill., and here worked one year. The following year he began on his own resources, and in 1880 he came to the home of his birth and here engaged in business, which he has continued up to the present time. October 17, 1883, he married Miss Anne Motz, daughter of John Motz. Mrs. Fricke was born in Washington, Mo., June 11, 1860, and to her marriage to our subject was born one child, named Emma. Mr. Fricke is a skillful workman and keeps a first-class stock of jewelry. He is a Republican in politics.
Source: Goodspeed's Franklin County History, 1888, Goodspeed Publishing Co
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Charles F. Gallenkamp, a young attorney of Union, and prosecuting attorney of Franklin County, Mo., was born in Washington, Franklin Co., Mo., January 10, 1859, the son of William and Mary (Stumpe) Gallenkamp. The father was a native of Germany, and immigrated to America about 1848, and located in St. Louis, Mo. About 1849 he removed to Washington, Franklin Co., Mo., where he engaged in merchandising, and at one time had the largest establishment in the city. He died in 1864. The mother was born in Germany in 1832, and came to America when a child. She is the daughter of William Stumpe, a farmer near Washington, and she is the sister of F. W. Stumpe, assistant cashier of the Bank of Washington. Charles F. was educated in the public schools of Washington, and, later, attended the St. Louis High School. He began reading law in the fall of 1877, at Washington, in the office of Kiskaddon & Beyersdorf, and in the fall of 1879 entered the Louisville Law School, entering the senior class, from which he graduated in the spring of 1880. Returning to Washington, he entered into a co-partnership with his preceptor.Mr. Kiskaddon, and practiced until his election to the office of prosecuting attorney, in the fall of 1884, being a candidate of the Republican party. Previous to this, in 1882, he was nominated by the Republican convention as candidate for probate judge. On account of his age—being really ineligible—he declined, but the nomination was forced upon him, and he very reluctantly made an unsuccessful race. In 1886 he was re-elected prosecuting attorney without opposition. In the fall of 1885 he formed a co-partnership with George W. Wood, and together they are carrying on a large general law and abstract business. February 5, 1887, he married Miss Alice Ruge, a native of Warren County, Mo., born September 25, 1865, and the daughter of William G. Ruge, and granddaughter of Dr. Charles Ruge, deceased.
Source: Goodspeed's Franklin County History, 1888, Goodspeed Publishing Co
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Phillipp Gerber was born April 15, 1834, at Sonnerberg, by Coberg, Saxony Meingen, and is a son of Andreas Gerber, who was a baker and musician. Andreas Gerber was twice married—the first time to Miss Christina Liverman, by whom he had six children; and the second time to Miss Wilhelmina Roth, by whom he had three children. All the sons and some of the daughters were musicians, like their father. The subject of this sketch lived at Sonnerberg until 1851, attending the common schools up to his fourteenth year, receiving a rudimentary education, and then attended a technical school two years, with the view of becoming an artist. His father died in 1848, and his two elder half-brothers being implicated in the Revolution of 1848 were compelled to flee the country. One of them persuaded his mother to permit young Phillipp to come with him to the United States, in which country the two landed in 1851, and reached Washington, Mo., on June 12 of the same year. They went to Newport in September, and remained there until February, 1852, when they settled on a farm on Section 32, Township 44, Range 2 west. On this farm Phillipp remained until 1854 when he went to Washington, where he worked at the blacksmith and cooper trades until July 5, 1856, when he returned to the farm. April 19, 1857, Miss Lucinda Rachel Cooper, daughter of Garnett Cooper, who settled in Franklin County in 1832, became his wife. Mr. Gerber moved to Gasconade County December 25, 1857, and opened a farm in the wilderness, on Red Oak Creek, three miles south of Douglas Prairie. In 1860 he returned to his brother's farm, in Franklin County, remaining there until 1865. During this period he served in the United States Reserve Corps, known as the Home Guards, three months, in 1861, as a private soldier. He also served in the Fifty-fourth Enrolled Missouri Militia, as second lieutenant of Company C. In 1865 he purchased a farm on Section 33, Township 44, Range 2 west, on which farm he now resides. In 1868 he was elected Constable of Lyon Township, a position he held six years, serving at the same time as deputy sheriff, and holding this position until 1880. He was assessor of Lyon Township during the years 1875 and 1876, under township organization; and he took the State census in 1875, and the United States census in 1880, of the same township. This latter year he was elected county assessor—a position he has since held. To Mr. and Mrs. Gerber have been born the following children: William J., born February 23, 1858, and died March 23, 1861; Charles H., born April 3, 1860; William S., born April 18, 1862; Maria F., born May 6, 1864; Christina T., born January 17, 1867; Phillipp E., born October 18,1869; Lilly E., born July 3, 1872, died July 18, 1873; Louis, born March 1,1877, and Franklin, born February 7, 1880. Charles H. married Emily Lucinda Sullins January 30, 1886, and Maria F., November 7, 1882, married A. B. Spradling.
Source: Goodspeed's Franklin County History, 1888, Goodspeed Publishing Co
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Eberhardt Giebler, a prominent farmer and miller of Franklin County, was born in Germany in 1821, immigrated to the United States in 1848, and settled in Franklin County, Mo., where he bought a small water-mill and entered eighty acres of land; he also bought eighty acres. The country was wild and uncultivated, and Mr. Giebler immediately proceeded to clear his land. He operated his mill until 1856, when he sold out, and began merchandising at the site now known as Champion City. During the war his store was burned, and he subsequently built the Champion City Sawmill, to which he afterward attached buhrs and then operated as a gristmill. A post office was established in 1879 or 1880, and has since been carried on. Mr. Giebler has always been the most prominent man in the place, and is identified as the first resident and founder of the place. He has reared an interesting family of seven children: Mary, Charles W., Alfred, John E. and George T. (twins), Adolphus H. and Alvina. Mr. Giebler served in the Home Guards during the war, but never participated in any heavy engagements. He is a member of the Masonic order, and is honored and trusted by all who know him.
Source: Goodspeed's Franklin County History, 1888, Goodspeed Publishing Co
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Andrew M. Giersa, son of George L. and Margaret (Groff) Giersa, was born near his present residence, in Franklin County, December 31, 1842. His father was a native of France, born in 1814 and died in Franklin County, Mo., in 1851. He was eighteen years of age when he left his home to come to America with, some of his relatives. He settled in St. Louis County, and here remained until 1841, when he moved to Franklin County, Mo; he was a farmer. His wife was born in Franklin County, Mo., September 16, 1821, and died in the same county October 19, 1887. After the death of her husband she married John C. Barrett. To her first marriage were born four children, three now living. The mother of our subject was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church South four years previous to her death, although prior to that she was a member of the Baptist Church. Andrew M. had the rudiments of an education in Franklin County, and finished with the best of teachers, experience and general reading, and, being naturally a close observer, is, in truth, a well-informed man. He remained with his mother until 1870, when he made a trip to California only to remain a short time, when he returned to Franklin County, Mo. In 1875 he went to Texas, and after remaining one summer came to the conclusion that his home, in Franklin County,was the best of all. January 6,1876, he married Miss Malinda Osborn, a native of Franklin County, Mo., and the daughter of William Osborn. When married, Mr. Giersa purchased the farm that he now owns, and this he has greatly improved. Although a Democrat, he has never aspired to hold office. Himself and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church South.
Source: Goodspeed's Franklin County History, 1888, Goodspeed Publishing Co
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Arnold Godt, painter and contractor on Missouri Pacific Railroad, and whose residence is in Washington, Mo., was born in 1838, in the province of Westphalia, Germany, and is the son of August and Charlotte (Wetbracht) Godt, natives of Germany, born in 1809 and 1827, respectively. The father is a stone mason by trade. He came to the United States in 1865, and located in Washington, Mo., where he has since resided. His wife died in 1883, and was the mother of nine children, Arnold being the eldest living. He was educated in his native country, and in his youth took up the study of music and became skillful on the violin and cornet. He has also composed many pieces of music. In November, 1858, he came to the United States and located in Washington, where he began working at the painter's trade and also gave music lessons. He was a strong Union man during the war, and in May, 1861, enlisted as musician in the Home Guards; after serving three months in the same he enlisted in the Seventeenth Regiment of Missouri Volunteers for three years, or during the war, as musician. He remained in service until 1863, when he was mustered out at St. Louis, Mo. He then returned home and resumed work at his trade— painting and music. He organized three or four bands in Washington, being leader of all of them, and he followed teaching and composing six or eight years. For the past fifteen years, however, he has been in music only for his own amusement. He has done the largest part of the painting, graining, sign painting and paper hanging in Washington, he being a very skillful workman. In October, 1868, he married Miss Louise Stumpe, a native of Franklin County, Mo., born in 1846, and to them were born five children: Alma, Egmont, Hellena, Freddie and Arthur. In 1868 Mr. Godt commenced painting and contracting on the Missouri Pacific Railroad, and continued until 1875 when he abandoned the railroad work, and devoted his time to work in Washington. In 1886 he resumed work on the railroad, and since then has given that most of his time and attention. He is a stanch Republican, casting his first presidential vote for Lincoln in 1864. He is a member of the I. O. O. F., also a Royal Arch Mason, and a member of
the G. A. R.
Source: Goodspeed's Franklin County History, 1888, Goodspeed Publishing Co
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Hon. Gert Goebel, one of the early German settlers of Franklin County, is a native of Coburg, Germany, born April 1, 1816, the eldest child of David W. and Henrietta (Kessel) Goebel. David W. Goebel was born in 1787, came to the United States in 1834 and settled in the wilderness in Boeuf Township, where he made his home for many years, but, being a man of extraordinary intelligence and ability, he was not contented to be a frontiersman; he spent some years in St. Louis as a teacher of the sciences in public and private schools, and assisted in the office of the surveyor-general. In 1849 he was appointed surveyor of Franklin County, with our subject as deputy, and served until 1851; he then devoted his attention to private teaching in the neighborhood for some years. After the death of his wife, in 1860, he made several journeys to his native country, the last time in 1868, where he died in 1872. Hon. Gert Goebel received a fine scientific education, being a French, German and Latin scholar. His English education was obtained after his removal to the United States, which was with his parents. He was married in St. Charles County, in March, 1843, to Miss Caroline, daughter of Henry Becker, natives of Germany. They have seven children: August, Julia (widow of August Spinner), Emilia (wife of Benton Osterwald), Cecilie, Adolph, Charles (married to Bertha Frick, of this neighborhood,) and Edward, of Louisville, Ky. Adolph is corresponding secretary of one of the largest mining companies in Colorado. Mr. Goebel devoted his attention to farming until 1849, when he was appointed his father's deputy surveyor, and in 1831 was elected to the office of county surveyor, which office he held four years. He was a stanch Union man during the war and an outspoken emancipationist, which views elected him to the Legislature in 1862. In 1864 he was elected to the Senate, representing Franklin, Gasconade and Osage Counties; he was re elected in 1866, and served in that capacity four years, being one of the ablest members of that body. In 1870 he was appointed- chief clerk of the State register office, served about eighteen months, and has since been engaged in literary work of various kinds. For some years he has been a regular correspondent of the St. Louis Westliche Post, and contributes occasionally to various other newspapers. In 1877 he published a work entitled " Longer than a Man's Life in Missouri," a work that has met with creditable commendation from some of the ablest writers in the country. A ready writer, fluent speaker, and good conversationalist, Mr. Goebel is a man who has long been recognized as a leader, not only of the German element, but of his party in general, and one who could always command its full support. Prior to the war he was a Benton Democrat, but since the opening of the Rebellion he has been a Republican. Mrs. Goebel died March 23,1864; she was born in 1824. In early life Mr. Goebel spent a large part of his time in hunting, and many are the deer that have fallen at the crack of his trusty rifle. In his house are yet to be found some of the relics of the chase.
Source: Goodspeed's Franklin County History, 1888, Goodspeed Publishing Co
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George Goeller, Sr., stone-cutter and contractor of Washington, was born October 4, 1830, in Germany, son of George and Mary (Kraft) Goeller. Our subject is the second of a family of seven children. He was reared and grew upon the farm, and in 1852 emigrated to the United States, where, for the first year, he worked in Kentucky. The following year he came to Franklin County, Mo., and in 1856 commenced working at the stone-cutter's trade, and has since continued this business with the exception of four years during the war, when he was in Buchanan County, Iowa, farming, and being the owner of eighty acres. December 27, 1857, he married Miss Veronica Mueller, daughter of William and W. Mueller. Mrs. Goeller was born July 13, 1840, in Germany, and came to the United States when twelve years of age. By her marriage she became the mother of two children: Lizzie, wife of Fred. Willimann, and George, Jr. Lizzie has two children: Blanche and Fred. George, Jr., is also a stone-cutter by trade, having learned the same of his father nine years ago. The father and son work together, and are doing a good business in Washington. They cut the stone for the public and high-school buildings in Washington and school building in Union, the Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Washington, and many of the business and private houses. Mr. Goeller is a Republican in politics, and Mrs. Goeller is a member of the Catholic Church.
Source: Goodspeed's Franklin County History, 1888, Goodspeed Publishing Co
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Rev. William F. Goessling, stated supply of the German Presbyterian Church, Bethlehem Congregation, Franklin County, Mo., was born in Prussia, March 7, 1836, and is the son of Henry C. and Mariah (Schroeder) Goessling, both natives of Prussia. They emigrated to America in 1852, and located in St. Louis, Mo. Here the father was employed in the sugar refinery for a number of years, and died in that city in 1860. The mother is still a resident of St. Louis. William attended the common schools of his native country, and came to the United States with his parents. He was married in 1859 to Louisa Young, who was born in Hanover, Germany, January 20, 1840, and is the daughter of John H. Young. She came with her parents to America in 1843, and for a while located in St. Louis, Mo., but later removed to Jefferson County, Mo. To the union of our subject and wife were born ten children, all living: William F. is a citizen of St. Louis, where he is proprietor of the Union Box Factory. Charles F. is employed in a wholesale stove house in Chicago. Lizzie makes her home with Charles F., in Chicago. Fred and Henry are in the employ of their brother William, in St. Louis. Louis, Joannah. Sarah, Clara and Helena, the younger children, make their home with their parents. Mr. Goessling joined the Cumberland Presbyterian Church in 1866, and four years later began preaching in St. Louis. He was ordained in Steelville, the county seat of Crawford County, Mo., in 1876, while still a resident of St. Louis. He was then pastor of the German Cumberland Presbyterian Church in St. Louis for about twelve years. He received a call in 1883 from Bethlehem Congregation, and came to his present charge August 15, of that year.
Source: Goodspeed's Franklin County History, 1888, Goodspeed Publishing Co
Transcribed by Barb Z. -2008
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Charles F. Goodrich, M. D., physician and surgeon, is a native of Steuben County, N. Y., born in 1836, and is the son of Allen and Charity (Schutt) Goodrich. The father was born in Saratoga County, N. Y., in 1799. He was a descendant of the well-known and distinguished family of Goodriches who figured so prominently in the early settlement of Connecticut. He was married about 1822, and in 1867 came to Franklin County, where he died in 1873. He was a farmer by occupation. The mother is still living, and is seventy-nine years of age; she is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, as was also her husband. Our subject was reared under the parental roof, and obtained a common-school education. In 1857 he went to Wisconsin, but came to New Haven, Mo., the following year, and in 1860 began studying medicine under Drs. Hiatt and Gilbert. During the winter of 1861 and 1862 he attended the St. Louis Medical College, took one course, and then enlisted in the Ninth Cavalry, United States Militia, and served a short time as hospital steward. The remainder of the time he acted as assistant surgeon, and as such remained until the close of the war. He then resumed his collegiate course, graduating in 1866, after which he immediately entered upon the practice of his profession at New Haven, and has there continued since. He served one term as coroner of Franklin County, and is a successful and skillful physician. March, 1872, he married Miss Anna H., daughter of James and Nancy Arrott, and to this union were born seven children, six now living: Ada, Charles F. Jr., Stephen M., Hattie B., Lizzie and Emma. In connection with his.practice the Doctor carries on his large farm, which consists of over 200 acres, and he also has several other tracts. He is a Republican, and cast his first presidential vote for Stephen A. Douglas, in 1860. He is a member and examining physician of the A. O. U. W., also a member and surgeon of the G. A. R. Post. Mrs. Goodrich is a member of the Episcopal Church. (See 10) Paul Gorg, one of the leading farmers of Franklin County, was born in Germany May 1, 1824, and is the youngest of four children born to Ecarius and Margaret (Lauderbach) Gorg, also natives of Germany, where the mother died when our subject was but two years of age. The father was again married having six children by his second wife (three now deceased), and, when Paul Gorg was seventeen years of age, crossed the Atlantic to America, landing in New Orleans on Christmas, 1841; they remained in the latter place a few weeks, spent a short time in St. Louis, and then settled on a tract of land in Union Township, Franklin Co., Mo., where the father remained until his death, in 1877; the step-mother afterwards moved to St. Louis, where she died, in 1884. Paul Gorg was educated in the common schools of his native country, and at the age of nineteen years left his father's home, wholly dependent upon his own resources. He learned the carpenter's trade, at which he worked eighteen months when he was employed on the farm of Charles Jones, where he afterwards became overseer of the slaves, remaining there four years. He then settled on a rented farm, in Union Township, for a few months, and, later, lived a short time in Central Township, where he purchased forty acres of his present farm, in Section 11; he now owns 360 acres, 130 acres of which are well improved. February 18, 1864, Mr. Gorg was wedded to Margaret, daughter of John and Elizabeth (Stahlmann) Schiller, who was born in Germany, November 3, 1827, and came to America with her parents when ten years old, landing at Baltimore, going thence to Wheeling, from there to St. Louis, and in 1840 settling in Franklin County, Mo. Mr. and Mrs. Gorg have been blessed with the following children: Harriet Elizabeth, wife of F. Angirer.; James Harrison, (deceased); Frances Ellen, wife of John McRerly; Araerlia Ann, Minerva Jane, wife of Au¬gust Mauthe; Albert John, Charles Andrew, (deceased), and Cora Belle. The family are highly-respected citizens of their community. Mr. Gorg served a short time in the militia during the war, and is a Republican politically, and cast his first presidential vote for J. K. Polk, in 1848. Mr. and Mrs. Gorg are members of the Lutheran faith, and cheerful supporters of all worthy enterprises. They have a grandson twenty-one years of age, and altogether nine grandchildren.
Source: Goodspeed's Franklin County History, 1888, Goodspeed Publishing Co
Transcribed by Barb Z. -2008
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Andrew Morgan Groff, farmer, was born in Franklin County, Mo., July 22, 1840, and is the son of Andrew and Ann (States) Groff. The father was a native of the State of Pennsylvania, born in the year 1791, March 14. His parents came from Holland. When a young man the father of our subject started West to find a home. He first stopped in St. Louis County, but afterwards located near Labaddie, Franklin County, and there passed the remainder of his days, dying in 1847. He was one of the first settlers, and, on coming to St. Louis County, was obliged to swim the Mississippi River, there being no other way to cross. When going to church he had to take his gun for protection from Indians and wild animals. His -wife was a native of Kentucky, born March 17,1801, and died in Franklin County, Mo., about June 9, 1857, at an advanced age. She was a member of the Baptist Church. To their marriage were born sixteen children, thirteen of whom lived to be grown, and only five of whom are now living. Andrew M. was the thirteenth child. He received his education at home schools, and, being the youngest son, remained at home and managed his mother's business. At the time of her death he had started to buy the shares of the others in the old homestead. In 1884 he purchased the farm that his elder brother, John, owned, and November 17, 1885, moved to it. Previous to this, October 15,1878, he married Miss Rebecca Coleman, a native of Franklin County, Mo., born November 23, 1849, and the daughter of S. J. Coleman. Three children were the result of this union, two of whom are now living, viz.: Ella U. and Spencer Irwin. The one deceased was named Alma Rebecca. Mr. Groff is Democratic in his political views, and he and wife are members of the Baptist Church.
Source: Goodspeed's Franklin County History, 1888, Goodspeed Publishing Co
Transcribed by Barb Z. -2008
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