For a number of years, the late William Niemeyer was one
of the progressive and enterprising business men of Mount Olive, Macoupin
County, Illinois, and vice-president of the Keiser & Niemeyer Mercantile
Company. Mr. Niemeyer was born July 5, 1844, in Holzfeld, Prussia, and was a
son of F. William and C. M. (Meddewag) Niemeyer. Both parents passed their
lives in their native land, where the father was engaged in farming. Both
were worthy members of the Lutheran Church.
In 1865, William
Niemeyer decided to seek his fortune across the Atlantic, took passage on
the vessel "Stella," and after a voyage of 56 days reached the port of New
York. Remembering that he was but a lad of 16 years, with limited capital
and no knowledge of either the language or customs of the new land in which
he was then forced to make his way unaided, it speaks well for his industry,
pluck and ability, that in a comparatively short time he was established in
a business of his own. In search of work, he drifted to St. Louis, Missouri,
working his way honestly and economically until at last, at Mount Olive, he
secured an appreciative employer in the late John C. Niemann, himself a
native of Germany. For three years he worked at farm labor for Mr. Niemann,
each year proving more and more valuable to his employer, and then entered
Mr. Niemann's store as a clerk. In 1873, the business was reorganized and
Mr. Niemeyer, who had become a member of Mr. Niemann's family by marriage,
was given an interest, and the present firm of Keiser & Niemeyer was
established. It has developed into the largest mercantile establishment in
Macoupin County, and is the oldest business house in Mount Olive. At a later
date, Mr. Niemann retired and the firm was again reorganized, with C. J.
Keiser, president; F. G. Droste, secretary; William Niemeyer, vice-president
and H. H. Droste, treasurer.
The late William Niemeyer undoubtedly
possessed an unusual business faculty. Few of his enterprises were
unsuccessful and his advice was considered by his fellow citizens of
inestimable value. He accumulated much property, both in Mount Olive and in
Macoupin County and in various portions of the West. A late investment was
the purchase of a tract of wooded land, in the vicinity of Mount Olive/ with
the idea of establishing here a summer resort which would secure the ready
patronage of residents of St. Louis and neighboring cities. The stocking of
the reservoir with a fine school of fish is recalled as one of his public
spirited acts.
Mr. Niemeyer owned probably the finest home in Mount
Olive — a beautiful residence, fitted with every modern improvement. The
building of this home and the installing of his family was a source of the
greatest gratification to Mr. Niemeyer, who was always most devoted to wife
and children. On April 29, 1869, William Niemeyer was united in marriage
with Sophia Niemann, the second daughter of the late John C. Niemann, a
sketch of whom will be found in this work. The father of Mrs. Niemeyer was
born April 12, 1817, and died September 9, 1896, one of the largest
capitalists of his section. Four children were born to Mr. and Mrs.
Niemeyer: Edward, who died June 21, 1897; William, who died in infancy;
Emil, who has succeeded his father in business; and Juliet, who in February,
1904, became the wife of A. E. Fisher, the junior member of the drug firm of
Koch & Fisher. On September 2, 1903, Emil Niemeyer married Nettie A.
Birtley, who is a daughter of J. V. Birtley, a coal magnate of Scranton,
Pennsylvania.
The late William Niemeyer was a worthy member and a
liberal supporter of Zion Lutheran Church, of Mount Olive, of which his
family are also members. He was known for his many acts of generosity, for
his genial, cheery temperament and for those honest, manly virtues, which
will cause him to be long recalled with feelings of the highest esteem in
the city where he spent so many useful, busy years.
Extracted 2018 May 08 by Norma Hass from Biographical Sketches of Leading Citizens of Macoupin County, Illinois, published in 1904, pages 366-368.
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