Transcribed by Mary Ann Kaylor
Page 1031:
BAUMANN, GEORGE (deceased) - The death of George Baumann, who was for twenty years engaged in the grocery business in Springfield, Ill., occurred about twenty-five years ago, but he is still well remembered by his many old friends. He was successful in business, a public-spirited citizen and a whole-souled, upright man. He was closely identified with the welfare and progress of the city in which so much of his life was spent, and was active in the interests of the church to which he belonged. Mr. Baumann was a native of Germany, born October 21, 1833. The mother died when he was an infant and the father came to America when he was advanced in years, living but a short time afterward.
The childhood of George Baumann was spent in his native country, where he attended the public schools. When he was sixteen years of age he came to the United States, in company with his brother Valentine. It is supposed the landed at New Orleans, as they spent some time in St. Louis before locating in Springfield, Ill. George attended Sunday school for a time after coming to America and applied himself with zeal to learning the language and customs of the people. He learned the trade of tinner in Springfield, working first for Dovun & Dickey, and afterward went into partnership with Henson & Robinson, the firm becoming Henson, Robinson & Baumann. Mr. Baumann bought out his partners and at the end of twelve years disposed of the business and embarked in a new line, locating at the corner of Cook and Spring Streets, where for twenty years he conducted a grocery store. He erected the brick building which the store occupied and was still in business at the time of his death, December 1, 1885. He was for many years a Deacon in St. John's German Lutheran Church and in political views was Republican. He was a devoted husband and father, giving his children the best educational advantages possible and was always solicitous of the comfort of his family.
Mr. Baumann was married in Springfield, January 1, 1861, to Miss Catherine Dunkle, and they became parents of nine children, namely: George Edward, a leading druggist of Springfield; Henry Albert, living at home; Charles, of Springfield; Georgetta, Mrs. Joseph Snyder, of Springfield; Noble, of Springfield; Herman and Benjamin B., of Springfield; Belle and Katy Louise, at home. Mrs. Baumann was born in Germany, May 21, 1844, and was but one year old when her parents came to the United States. They landed at New Orleans, having been eighteen weeks on the water, belated by storms and nearly starved as a consequence of running out of food. The parents, Philip and Catherine (Spangler) Dunkel, had one child born on the voyage, whom they called Mary, after the ship on which she was born. They preceded to St. Louis and came from there to Springfield with an ox team. He had a brother Adam living near Springfield and himself located on a farm four miles out from the city. He had learned the trade of blacksmith in Germany but after coming to the United States devoted the remainder of his life to farming.
Mrs. Baumann was a bright child and was educated in the district schools of Sangamon County. She had few early advantages, but by reason of her intelligence and natural ability, became of great assistance to her husband in managing his business and new every detail of it. After the death of her husband she rented the store two years, then the tenant moved west and she conducted the store herself two years. She is a most energetic woman,, having been left with nine young children to rear, but her courage never failed and she has fulfilled her duty nobly, having guided them all to noble man and womanhood and prepared them well for the duties of life. Not only has she taken an interest in her own family, but by her kindness of heart and charitable disposition has been moved to extend most valuable assistance to the sick and poor. Like her husband, she is much interested in the good work accomplished by the church and is a conscientious Christian. She is greatly loved and honored by her children and is held in high esteem by all who know and appreciate her good works and her noble character.