Joseph Watermeier, who was born May 2, 1877, on the farm where he now
lives, is one of the active and progressive men of Brushy Mound
township. He owns the old family homestead, which also includes thirty
acres of valuable timber land, and has made such excellent use of his
opportunities that each year witnesses marked increase in his
prosperity. He is a son of Lawrence and Annie (Mehl) Watermeier, the
former of whom was born in the duchy of Prussia, Germany, and the latter
in the gi J and duchy of Baden, Germany. He emigrated to America in 1864
and made his home at Belleville, Illinois, where he rented a farm of one
hundred acres. In 1876 he came to Macoupin county and purchased seventy
acres on section 2 of Brushy Mound township, upon which he established
his homestead. A few years later he acquired one hundred and
thirty-seven acres lying across the road east of his original purchase,
and he also became the owner of one hundred and sixty acres of good land
in Dorchester township, which was a few years ago sold by his heirs. He
died January 29, 1904, having gained a position as one of the most
substantial farmers in this part of the county. Mrs. Watermeier is still
living and makes her home with two of her daughters in Carlinville. In
the family were six children: Joseph, of this review; Anton, who is now
living with his brother Joseph; Mary, who resides at Edgewood, Illinois;
Christina, who died at the age of eighteen years; and Annie and
Catharine, twins, who are living with their mother.
Joseph
Watermeier attended the district schools of the township and also
possessed the advantage of two years’ study in the German schools at
Carlinville. He remained on the homestead and after the death of his
father took charge of the farm, which comprises upwards of two hundred
acres. He raises the grains adapted to the soil and climate of this
region and has proved himself to be a good agriculturist, his crops
comparing favorably with the best in the neighborhood. He also feeds
stock for the market with highly satisfactory results, his early
experiences having thoroughly qualified him for all departments of farm
management.
On the 28th of June, 1904, Mr. Watermeier was
married to Miss Annie Schaefer, a daughter of Charles and Mary (Becker)
Schaefer, and to this union two children were born: Charles, who died in
infancy; and Mary Rosalia, whose natal day was April 25, 1911. Mr.
Schaefer, the father of Mrs. Watermeier, engaged for many years in
farming in Carlinville township. He retired from active labors in 1910
and is now living with his wife in Carlinville. They are the parents of
three children: Annie, now Mrs. Joseph Watermeier; Adam, who married
Miss Gertie Bomcamp, of Carlinville, and is now in charge of the old
home place; and Rosalia, who is at home.
In politics Mr.
Watermeier is a stanch adherent of the principles of the democratic
party but has never sought political office. He is an ardent friend of
education and is now serving for the sixth year as member of the school
board of district No. 105 of Brushy Mound township. He and his wife were
reared in the faith of the Roman Catholic church and are active members
of the church at Carlinville. He is also identified with the Western
Catholic Union at Quincy, Illinois, while his wife is a member of the
Ladies’ Sodality of St. Joseph’s Catholic church. In his business
dealings Mr. Watermeier has always been strictly upright and honorable.
He is happy in his work and has earned the respect of all with whom he
comes into contact either in business or social relations.
Extracted 14 Nov 2018 by Norma Hass from History of Macoupin County, Illinois: Biographical and Pictorial, by Charles A. Walker, published in 1911, Volume 2, pages 282-283.
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