Transcribed by Mary Ann Kaylor
Page 1032:
BAUMGARTNER, JOHN , a retired business man of Springfield, is an honest and reliable citizen and has many friends in the city. He was born in Baden, Germany, February 21, 1848, son of Bernhardt and Catherine (Kiser) Baumgartner, both of whom spent their entire lives in Germany. The mother died at the age of ninety-three years. John Baumgartner spent his boyhood on his father's farm and received his education in the common schools of his native country, which he afterwards supplemented by study after reaching Illinois. He left home when twenty-four years of age, and after working on a farm about three months, began working at the trade of butcher in Lincoln, Ill., where he remained four years, being employed by John Ackert, then worked five years at Mt. Pulaski, Ill., and July 5, 1881, embarked in the butcher business on his own account in Springfield. He conducted business for himself twenty-nine year and was always successful, having a shop first at the corner of Mason and Rutledge Streets, then at Mason and First Streets, and then on South Eleventh Street. He became well-known in the course of his business dealings and won the confidence of his patrons. He built up a good trade and was able to save enough money so he could retire. He owns his home at 410 Hay Street and other city property. In the thirty-seven years that he worked at his trade he established a good reputation for skill in his line and integrity in his dealings.
Mr. Baumgartner was married, at Springfield, May 8, 1883, to Elizabeth Koahl, a native of Baden, Germany whose parents died in Germany. She has two brothers in America and two sisters living in Springfield. Three daughters and two sons have been born of this union, namely: Emma, born in 1884, unmarried and living in St. Louis, Mo.; Martha and Mary, twins, born February 22, 1886; Frank born March 10, 1888; Philip, born March 1, 1890. All except the eldest daughter resides with their parents. Mr. Baumgartner is a member of the German Catholic Church and fraternally is affiliated with the Odd Fellows and the United Workmen. He has always taken an active part in public affairs since living in Springfield and in politics is a Democrat.