Biographies

ADAM AUGUSTUS GOEMPLER, who is engaged in business in Oquawka as a mason and contractor, was born on the 27th of July, 1850, in Philipsdale, Hessen, Germany, and is a son of Peter and Amelia (Bohu) Goempler, who were also natives of that country.

The father was a stone-cutter and mason by trade, and followed that pursuit in his native land until late in the year 1853, when he bade adieu to home and friends and, with his family, started for America. He crossed the briny deep in a sailing-vessel, which after a voyage of nine weeks reached Castle Garden, N. Y. From the eastern metropolis he went to Pittsburg, and thence down the Ohio, and up the Mississippi River, finally reaching Oquawka in the month of March, 1854, and here he still resides. The family numbered ten children, two sons and eight daughters, of whom Augustus and Gertrude died in infancy. Adam A. is the next younger; Elizabeth, deceased, was the wife of Jacob Gayer, of Monmouth, Ill.; Louisa has, since the death of her sister, married Mr. Gayer, of Monmouth; Emeline is the wife of George Rademacher, a brick manufacturer of Monmouth; Mary is the wife of Joseph Wiegand, who is engaged in the manufacture of cigars in Oquawka; Christina, Helena and Caroline are at home.

Mr. Goempler of this sketch was less than four years old when, with his parents, he crossed the Atlantic and became a resident of Oquawka. He was educated in its public and German schools, which he attended until fifteen years of age, when he began earning his own livelihood by working at the stone-cutter's and mason's trade, learning the same with his father. He finished his term of apprenticeship at the age of twenty, and then began business in his own interest. He first went to Chicago, where he was employed from 1872 until 1874, and then returned to Oquawka, where he has since been engaged in business. He is an expert workman, and now enjoys a good trade in his line.

On the 10th of August, 1875, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Goempler and Miss Caroline Schell, a daughter of Leonard Schell. Her death occurred March 16, 1876, and on the 22d of May, 1879, our subject was again married, his second union being with Miss Louisa Braun, a daughter of John Braun, of West Point, Iowa. Four children graced this union, of whom three are yet living: Elsie, Arthur and Willis, who are still at home. Elizabeth, the first-born, died in infancy.

The parents are well-known people of this community, hold a high position in social circles, and have many warm friends. Their residence, in the eastern part of the town, is a model home, and is the abode of hospitality. < well-directed and industry his of result the as business, good a enjoying now is He community. to redound will that anything given support whose citizen, progressive enterprising an A. W. M. 1037, No. Camp Oquawka I.O.O.P., 193, Lodge Tranquil member he Oquawka, Church Evangelical German with membership hold wife Both interests. business attention time entire give rather desiring preferment, political desired or sought never has Grant. Gen. supported 1872, in cast vote, Presidential first by politics, Republican Goempler

From the Portrait and Biographical Record of Hancock, McDonough and Henderson Counties, Illinois : containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens of the county (1894)
May, 1894. Lake City Publishing Co.