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PAST AND PRESENT OF THE CITY OF SPRINGFIELD AND SANGAMON COUNTY ILLINOIS
By Joseph Wallace, M. A.
of the Springfield Bar
The S. J. Clarke Publishing Co., Chicago, IL
1904



Page 1267

FREDERICK SELINGER - Frederick Selinger was identified with the business life of Sangamon county as a brock manufacturer and farmer. He made his home in Springfield from 1862 up to the time of his death and became a well-to-do citizen, whose success was attributable to his own efforts. He was a native of Hanover, Germany, born in 1843, his parents being Frederick and Elizabeth Selinger, both of whom were natives of Hanover and came to Springfield in 1862. The father died the following year and the mother afterward returned to Germany, where she departed this life several years ago.

Frederick Selinger acquired but a limited education in the common schools of his native land and after the emigration of the family to the new world he was employed in various ways in Springfield for a few years or until he could gain a start in other business lines. Eventually, however, he joined his brother and established a brock manufacturing plant, the yard being located near the present home of his widow. He continued in the brick manufacturing business for a number of years, the trade constantly increasing and the firm largely supplied the city demand. As his financial resources increased Mr. Selinger invested his money in farming land and also carried on agricultural pursuits to a considerable extent, thus becoming the owner of valuable property which made him one of the prosperous citizens of his community. He continued in the business of manufacturing brock until 1895, when he sold out and turned his attention to the coal business, buying coat at the mines in the winter and hauling it to the city, where he sold it. He continued in that business until his death, which occurred very suddenly on the 10th of February, 1903.

Mr. Selinger was married in Springfield to Miss Anna C. Brotje, who was born in Germany, May 17, 1845, a daughter of Christopher and Catherine Brotje, also natives of Germany, where they spent their entire lives. Mrs. Selinger had an aunt living in Springfield and while visiting her she became acquainted with Mr. Selinger. There were five children born of this marriage: John W., who is residing at home and is operating his mother's farm near Springfield; Edward C., who is also at home and is engaged in farming; Henry G., who is engaged in teaming and with his wife, formerly Miss Elizabeth Burns, is residing near his mother on Lawrence avenue; Annie M., who is also at home; and Minnie J., at home.

Mr. Selinger was a member of the Loyal Americans of Springfield and a Democrat in his political views, while all the family attended the German Lutheran Church. He came to America a young man with little knowledge of the country and the habits and customs of its people. His capital was also extremely limited, but he possessed a resolute spirit and determining to make the most of his opportunities he has worked his way steadily upward. He was well known here, especially among the German-American citizens and was very popular with the representatives of the class.

Mrs. Selinger resides at the old homestead at No. 1400 West Lawrence avenue, where she owns thirteen acres of land and a fine two-story brick residence, which was built by her husband. She also owns two farms, one comprising one hundred acres in Gardner township and the other of forty acres in Curran township, there being operated by her sons. The family is well-to-do and is quite prominent in Springfield.



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