McDonough County IL Archives Biographies.....Wetzel, Jameson Hawkins July 5, 1835 - ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/il/ilfiles.htm ************************************************ File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Sandy Morrey sandymorrey@yahoo.com November 9, 2009, 6:16 pm Source: McDonough and Henderson Counties, Illinois Author: Unknown JAMESON HAWKINS WETZEL, the genial and popular proprietor of the Adams House, of Warsaw, is a native of the neighboring State of Indiana. He was born in Marion Coun- ty, July 5, 1835, and is descended from good old Revolutionary stock. His grandfather, John Wetzel, served for four years under Washington, and the maternal grandfather, John Symmonds, bravely served as a soldier in the War of 1812. Our subject now has in his possession several Revolutionary relics. The father of Jameson H., John Wetzel, was a native of Pennsylvania. When a young man he served a three-years apprenticeship to a cabinet maker, and then worked for seven years as a journeyman. He became quite proficient in that line, and manufactured some fine pieces of furni- ture. Later in life he turned his attention to farming. Having removed to Ohio, he was there united in marriage with Mary Symmonds, a na- tive of the Buckeye State, and to them were born eleven children, as follows: Marion; John, who died in 1845; Mahlon, who died in 1839; Jameson; Nelson M., now residing in Elvaston, 111.; Joanna, who died at the age of fourteen years; Levi and Benjamin Franklin, who died in infancy; Loyal Fairman, of Hamilton; William S., of Basco, Han- cock County; and Perry LaFayette, of the same county. The father of this family died Novem- ber 12, 1858, and the mother, who survived him for many years, passed away in 1884. Jameson Wetzel, whose name heads this rec- ord, was reared to manhood upon his father's farm, and in his youth received such educational advantages as the district school of the neighbor- hood afforded. After arriving at mature years he followed farming for some time, and was fairly successful in the undertaking. He was married January 16, 1859, the lady of his choice being Miss Martha J., daughter of William Kimbrough. To them were born eight children, but only three of the number are yet living, namely: Mary E., wife of James Biggs, of Basco; John W., of New York; and Charles. Their son Albert was drowned on the 9th of August, 1892, and the following touching memorial was written by Francis Marion Wetzel: "Albert, we bid thee a sad and silent farewell. In thy youth thou wast laid to rest in the narrow limits of the tomb, there to await the resurrection morn. So quiet didst thou appear in thy sleep of death that knows no earthly awakening, it seemed almost mockery to weep over thy calm features. Death stole in softness and touched thy face with angelic sweetness, and stamped upon it the quiet- ness of calm repose, which told that thy soul was free from this earthly prison, and that thou hadst passed away from the poor cares of life. Yes, Al- bert, thou hast crossed the dark stream of death and hast gone from those who loved thee dearly. In memory we see the suppressed grief of thy par- ents, the touching affection of thy brothers and thy sister — hear their soft wail and see their farewell look. What volumes of love they be- spoke! But thy marble lips gave no kindred re- sponses. As we gazed upon this sad and affecting separation, manhood was moved to pity, and sor- row claimed her due. We turned away, feeling that we had parted, but not forever. Only a few short years and we shall come and dwell in the silent tomb by thy side. Thy faithful friends, true from first to last, all shall come and rest in their silent beds, and with thee we shall sleep through death's long dreamless night until the archan- gel's trump shall awake us on that memorable morn. May we awake in that paradise where sorrow, pain and death are unknown!" Mr. Wetzel carried on agricultural pursuits un- til chosen Deputy Sheriff of the county in 1878. He thus served for four years and was then elected Sheriff in 1882. He made a splendid record while in that office, winning the commendation of all concerned. When his term had expired he embarked in the livery business in Carthage, and continued operations along that line for two years, when he sold out and took charge of the Adams House in Warsaw, which he has now been con- ducting for two years. This is a first-class hotel, complete in all its appointments, and has found favor with the traveling public. In his political views, Mr. Wetzel is a Democrat and warmly ad- vocates the principles of his party. He holds membership with the Masonic fraternity, the In- dependent Order of Mutual Aid and the Mutual Benefit Association. His life has been well and worthily passed, and he well merits the high re- gard in which he is held. File at: http://files.usgwarchives.net/il/mcdonough/bios/wetzel1540gbs.txt This file has been created by a form at http://www.genrecords.org/ilfiles/ File size: 5.2 Kb