Transcribed by Mary Ann Kaylor

Page 1483:

NEEF, FRANK, a merchant of Springfield, Ill., is a typical German-American citizen and has made his own way in the world from early youth. He was born at Treis on the Moselle, Germany, September 5, 1856, a son of Hubert and Catherine (Traben) Neef, natives of that country. His father was a laborer and the youth was early taught lessons of self-reliance and industry. He was educated in Germany and reared in the Catholic faith. He came to America, arriving at Chicago, Ill., October 8, 1871, and located in Springfield on the 13th of the same month. After working in various lines he established himself in business in Springfield and is now located on North Fifth Street, where he has built up a good business. He stands well in various circles and is well known in the city. He has been a Democrat for many years and is much interested in the welfare of his party and in local improvements and progress.

Mr. Neef is a trustee of SS. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, of which he is a devout member, and is affiliated with several societies. He joined St. Vincent's Unterstuetzungs-verein in June 1874; St. Peter's Court, Catholic Order of Foresters, in March, 1895; Springfield Schutzenverin in 1895; Springfield Nest, No. 1191, Order of Owls, in January 1910, and Lincoln Lodge No. 3, Amalgamated Associaton of Iron and Steel Workers in 1881. He has been successful to a gratifying degree and owns a pleasant home at No. 530 South Glenwood Avenue.

Mr. Neef was married at SS. Peter and Paul Church, Springfield, October 30, 1883, to Miss Katie Spies, who was born in the city September 15, 1861, daughter of Gustav and Catherine (Bauman) Spies, and the following children have blessed this union: Emma K., born October 16, 1884; William C., December 19, 1887; Philip J., March 7, 1890; Julia M., July 1, 1893.