Frederick J. Staufenbiel, Librarian of the Belleville Public Library for over twenty years, passed away at his home, 108 North Jackson street, very suddenly at 2:30 o'clock Wednesday afternoon of heart failure, from which he had been suffering for several years past.

Up to last Monday he was able to attend to his official duties. On that day he complained of feeling ill and was compelled to return to his home and forced to take to his bed. Wednesday afternoon he was apparently feeling much better and was able to be up and about.

In the death of Mr. Staufenbiel, Belleville loses one of its most widely known citizens. He was a most capable and industrious official, and during the time that he served in the official capacity of Librarian became one of the best students of literature in this city.

He acquired an inexhaustible fund of information and any information wanted in the literary line could be secured from him instantly. In fact, he was a master in his calling.

He was a tireless student in the interest of the world and was an able writer of editorials. To the public in general, Mr. Staufenbiel was a bureau of information which could be relied upon as being correct. Especially to the newspaper fraternity was he a great friend. Any information wanted in both the history of the city or matters and questions pertaining to the literary world could be secured from the late Librarian. Mr. Staufenbiel was ever willing and ready to give to inquirers any information desired.

The death of Mr. Staufenbiel is a great loss to the Public Library, as he was posted in every branch of the work. Under his personal care the Belleville Public Library has become one of the best equipped and finest in the state of Illinois.

During his lifetime Mr. Staufenbiel numbered among his friends some of the most learned men in this city. Among these were such men and the late Henry Raab, Emil Feigenbutz and Emil Dapprich.

He was educated in the schools of Germany, afterward coming to America. He first located in Milwaukee, but in 1859 accepted a position as bookkeeper with the Western Brewery here, subsequently holding positions in the St. Clair County Record's office.

In February, 1883, Mr. Staufenbiel was appointed (Belleville's first) Librarian, holding the position until his death.

He was married to Miss Franziska Englemann of this city on January 9, 1866, and she, with four children, survive him (at the time of his death);

Mrs. Anna Barbeau, wife of Charles, Belleville
Theresa Staufenbiel, of Belleville
Emily Staufenbiel, of Belleville
John Staufenbiel, Sioux City, IA

The deceased was a member of the Knights and Ladies of Honor and the Treubund.

The flag on the City Hall and Library building was placed at half mast as soon as it was learned that the Librarian had died.

The funeral takes place at 2 o'clock Sunday afternoon to Walnut Hill Cemetery.

Belleville News Democrat 12-10-1903
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Portriat and Biographical Record of St. Clair County Illinois by Chapman Bros. 1892 Chicago

Frederick J. Staufenbiel. The City Council of Belleville, Ill., established a public library by an ordinance passed February 6, 1885, and since that time the gentleman whose well-known name opens this sketch has been its efficient Librarian. Since the opening of the institution, its management has required almost his entire time, and at present he has the assistance of Miss Josephine Bissel, a daughter of Gov. Bissell, deceased. Mr. Staufenbiel was born near Muhlhausen, Thuringia, Prussia, September 29, 1833. His parents were Joseph and Marriana Staufenbiel, natives of the same country. He was reared and carefully educated in Germany, taking a full course at a gymnasium, and then came to America, locating first at Milwaukee, Wis., where he engaged in clerking in a brewery, remaining three years.

In 1859, he came to Belleville, where he engaged with the Western Brewery, remaining with this company for a period of fourteen years. Following this he was appointed as a clerk, and later as Deputy Recorder, in the court house, and was serving in the latter capacity when he received the appointment as Librarian. Mr. Staufenbiel was married to Miss Franciska Engelmann, of this city, the daughter of Michael Engelmann, a civil engineer, of Germany. Mrs. Staufenbiel was born in that country in 1840, and she has become the mother of four interesting children; Anna, Therese, John and Emily. Frederick and his wife are prominent members of Belleville society and are highly esteemed by a large circle of friends.