The Quincy Daily Herald, Monday, March 30, 1908; page 10.
FREDERICK W. MENKE
DIED SUNDAY MORNING
Prominent Contractor and Former
Republican Leader Passed Away --
Had Stroke of Paralysis Some Years
Ago and Had Been Steadily Failing Since.
FREDERICK W. MENKE.
Frederick William Menke, one of Quincy's leading citizens and a man who did much towards the development of the city, and who was widely and favorably known, passed away at his residence, at 300 South Twelfth street, at about 12:30 Sunday morning. Death was caused by a complication of ailments, the direct cause being diabetes. Eight years ago he suffered a paralytic stroke, which was followed by a second a year later. Although affected by these, he was always able to be about, up to eight weeks ago, when he suffered another and, owing to the advanced stage of the other disease, he grew weaker rapidly, until death finally relieved him yesterday morning. The family had hoped that his remarkable vitality and rugged constitution would triumph as on previous occasions, but hoped against hope, as the physician did not give any assurance. For a time it seemed as if he were improving, but it was only for a few days. Then his condition gradually grew worse until he peacefully passed away, surrounded by his children and his devoted wife.
Although nearly 76 years of age, the deceased was well preserved and did not show his years. Up to the time when he suffered the first paralytic stroke, he showed no decrease in his capacity for work, and continued at the head of the large business of which he was the founder. Although his ailment caused him to leave the details of his business to others, he still kept up his interest in it, and up to the time when he was stricken the third time, rarely a day passed that he was not at the office. During the past few weeks it became evident that he could not recover, and that the end was but a question of time.
Frederick William Menke was born in Westphalia, kingdom of Prussia, Germany, on the 21st day of April, 1832, and would have completed the seventy-sixth year of his eventful and successful life had he lived until the 21st of next month. He was the eldest of six children born to Herman H. and Hannah (nee Ricksick) Menke. His father was a farmer and veterinary surgeon, and after the deceased had completed his studies in the elementary schools of his country at the age of fifteen years, he spent the next five years at home assisting his father in the work on the farm. In 1852, he emigrated to this country, landing at New Orleans, from where he came to Quincy. With him on the same ship came the late Herman Heidbreder and Mrs. Hannah Niemeyer, who were born and reared in the same locality where Mr. Menke's parents resided. They were eleven weeks on the ocean.
In Quincy, he learned the trade of a stonecutter, working at his trade until 1863, when he began to operate as a contractor and builder. Being a skilled workman, a man of honor, who never failed in giving satisfaction, his business grew steadily until he became not only the most prominent contractor and builder in his line of work in the city, but in this section of the country as well.
In 1886, he organized the F. W. Menke Stone and Lime company, of which he was president up to his death. The stone works of this company are the most extensive in western Illinois, and are located along the bluffs of the Mississippi river, and the tracks of the C., B. & Q. railroad. Besides, stone and granite is shipped from various states to these yards, where it is sawed and dressed for building purposes. The workforce of the company is about 160 men and the business which he established is one of the leading ones of this city.
Besides being at the head of this company, the deceased was an eminently successful contractor and builder. Many of Quincy's beautiful residences and public buildings are monuments to his energy and ability, and his reputation as a contractor extends through the whole state of Illinois, as well as the adjoining states. His first large contract was the Adams county court house. Since then, he has had contracts for court houses in Kirksville, Sedalia, Knox City, Jerseyville, and possibly a score of other cities. He has put up public and state buildings at Peoria and Springfield, and the immense business which has become an important factor in Quincy's industrial development, has been planned and built up by him. Among the more prominent buildings in Quincy besides the court house, the contracts of which were awarded to him, are the C., B. & Q. and Wabash depots, and the public library.
In 1874, he was elected vice president and director of the Building and Homestead association, of which he later became president. He was interested in many other of the city's enterprises, but not in the capacity of director or official of these companies.
In politics, he was a staunch Republican and as long as he took an interest in this, there were few men better known throughout the state than he. His fine character and his honesty won all who had dealings with him. In 1892, he was one of the Republican electors-at-large for the state of Illinois. In 1897, he was appointed by Governor Tanner as commissioner of the state asylum for insane at Bartonville, and later Governor Yates appointed him as commissioner of the central hospital for the insane at Jacksonville.
For sixteen years, he served as alderman of the Fourth ward. In 1892, he was elected as supervisor, but declined the re-nomination at the end of the term. In 1899, he was offered the nomination for mayor, but refused it, owing to the growth of his business and his other connections.
In 1855, the deceased was married to Miss Louise Wulfmeyer, the daughter of Henry Wulfmeyer. To this union were born six children, five of whom with the mother survive him. The children are: Amelia, the widow of Frank Hagenbruch; William G. Menke; Edward H. Menke; Anna, wife of Edward Ruff, and Fred C. Menke. John H. Menke, the fourth child, died seven years ago at the age of thirty years. He died March 29th, 1901, between 1 and 2 o'clock. The father died yesterday, March 29th, at 1:25 o'clock, the two deaths being exactly seven years apart, to the hour. Besides his widow and the five children mentioned, he leaves sixteen grandchildren.
The deceased was a member of Bodley lodge, No. 1, A. F. and A. M., a thirty-second degree Mason and a member of Beauseant commandery, Knights Templar. Besides, he was a member of Adams lodge of Odd Fellows, and of the A. O. U. W.
- Transcribed by Tree Leaf.
FREDERICK W. MENKE
DIED SUNDAY MORNING
Prominent Contractor and Former
Republican Leader Passed Away --
Had Stroke of Paralysis Some Years
Ago and Had Been Steadily Failing Since.
FREDERICK W. MENKE.
Frederick William Menke, one of Quincy's leading citizens and a man who did much towards the development of the city, and who was widely and favorably known, passed away at his residence, at 300 South Twelfth street, at about 12:30 Sunday morning. Death was caused by a complication of ailments, the direct cause being diabetes. Eight years ago he suffered a paralytic stroke, which was followed by a second a year later. Although affected by these, he was always able to be about, up to eight weeks ago, when he suffered another and, owing to the advanced stage of the other disease, he grew weaker rapidly, until death finally relieved him yesterday morning. The family had hoped that his remarkable vitality and rugged constitution would triumph as on previous occasions, but hoped against hope, as the physician did not give any assurance. For a time it seemed as if he were improving, but it was only for a few days. Then his condition gradually grew worse until he peacefully passed away, surrounded by his children and his devoted wife.
Although nearly 76 years of age, the deceased was well preserved and did not show his years. Up to the time when he suffered the first paralytic stroke, he showed no decrease in his capacity for work, and continued at the head of the large business of which he was the founder. Although his ailment caused him to leave the details of his business to others, he still kept up his interest in it, and up to the time when he was stricken the third time, rarely a day passed that he was not at the office. During the past few weeks it became evident that he could not recover, and that the end was but a question of time.
Frederick William Menke was born in Westphalia, kingdom of Prussia, Germany, on the 21st day of April, 1832, and would have completed the seventy-sixth year of his eventful and successful life had he lived until the 21st of next month. He was the eldest of six children born to Herman H. and Hannah (nee Ricksick) Menke. His father was a farmer and veterinary surgeon, and after the deceased had completed his studies in the elementary schools of his country at the age of fifteen years, he spent the next five years at home assisting his father in the work on the farm. In 1852, he emigrated to this country, landing at New Orleans, from where he came to Quincy. With him on the same ship came the late Herman Heidbreder and Mrs. Hannah Niemeyer, who were born and reared in the same locality where Mr. Menke's parents resided. They were eleven weeks on the ocean.
In Quincy, he learned the trade of a stonecutter, working at his trade until 1863, when he began to operate as a contractor and builder. Being a skilled workman, a man of honor, who never failed in giving satisfaction, his business grew steadily until he became not only the most prominent contractor and builder in his line of work in the city, but in this section of the country as well.
In 1886, he organized the F. W. Menke Stone and Lime company, of which he was president up to his death. The stone works of this company are the most extensive in western Illinois, and are located along the bluffs of the Mississippi river, and the tracks of the C., B. & Q. railroad. Besides, stone and granite is shipped from various states to these yards, where it is sawed and dressed for building purposes. The workforce of the company is about 160 men and the business which he established is one of the leading ones of this city.
Besides being at the head of this company, the deceased was an eminently successful contractor and builder. Many of Quincy's beautiful residences and public buildings are monuments to his energy and ability, and his reputation as a contractor extends through the whole state of Illinois, as well as the adjoining states. His first large contract was the Adams county court house. Since then, he has had contracts for court houses in Kirksville, Sedalia, Knox City, Jerseyville, and possibly a score of other cities. He has put up public and state buildings at Peoria and Springfield, and the immense business which has become an important factor in Quincy's industrial development, has been planned and built up by him. Among the more prominent buildings in Quincy besides the court house, the contracts of which were awarded to him, are the C., B. & Q. and Wabash depots, and the public library.
In 1874, he was elected vice president and director of the Building and Homestead association, of which he later became president. He was interested in many other of the city's enterprises, but not in the capacity of director or official of these companies.
In politics, he was a staunch Republican and as long as he took an interest in this, there were few men better known throughout the state than he. His fine character and his honesty won all who had dealings with him. In 1892, he was one of the Republican electors-at-large for the state of Illinois. In 1897, he was appointed by Governor Tanner as commissioner of the state asylum for insane at Bartonville, and later Governor Yates appointed him as commissioner of the central hospital for the insane at Jacksonville.
For sixteen years, he served as alderman of the Fourth ward. In 1892, he was elected as supervisor, but declined the re-nomination at the end of the term. In 1899, he was offered the nomination for mayor, but refused it, owing to the growth of his business and his other connections.
In 1855, the deceased was married to Miss Louise Wulfmeyer, the daughter of Henry Wulfmeyer. To this union were born six children, five of whom with the mother survive him. The children are: Amelia, the widow of Frank Hagenbruch; William G. Menke; Edward H. Menke; Anna, wife of Edward Ruff, and Fred C. Menke. John H. Menke, the fourth child, died seven years ago at the age of thirty years. He died March 29th, 1901, between 1 and 2 o'clock. The father died yesterday, March 29th, at 1:25 o'clock, the two deaths being exactly seven years apart, to the hour. Besides his widow and the five children mentioned, he leaves sixteen grandchildren.
The deceased was a member of Bodley lodge, No. 1, A. F. and A. M., a thirty-second degree Mason and a member of Beauseant commandery, Knights Templar. Besides, he was a member of Adams lodge of Odd Fellows, and of the A. O. U. W.
- Transcribed by Tree Leaf.
The Quincy Daily Herald, Monday, March 30, 1908; page 10.
FREDERICK W. MENKE
DIED SUNDAY MORNING
Prominent Contractor and Former
Republican Leader Passed Away --
Had Stroke of Paralysis Some Years
Ago and Had Been Steadily Failing Since.
FREDERICK W. MENKE.
Frederick William Menke, one of Quincy's leading citizens and a man who did much towards the development of the city, and who was widely and favorably known, passed away at his residence, at 300 South Twelfth street, at about 12:30 Sunday morning. Death was caused by a complication of ailments, the direct cause being diabetes. Eight years ago he suffered a paralytic stroke, which was followed by a second a year later. Although affected by these, he was always able to be about, up to eight weeks ago, when he suffered another and, owing to the advanced stage of the other disease, he grew weaker rapidly, until death finally relieved him yesterday morning. The family had hoped that his remarkable vitality and rugged constitution would triumph as on previous occasions, but hoped against hope, as the physician did not give any assurance. For a time it seemed as if he were improving, but it was only for a few days. Then his condition gradually grew worse until he peacefully passed away, surrounded by his children and his devoted wife.
Although nearly 76 years of age, the deceased was well preserved and did not show his years. Up to the time when he suffered the first paralytic stroke, he showed no decrease in his capacity for work, and continued at the head of the large business of which he was the founder. Although his ailment caused him to leave the details of his business to others, he still kept up his interest in it, and up to the time when he was stricken the third time, rarely a day passed that he was not at the office. During the past few weeks it became evident that he could not recover, and that the end was but a question of time.
Frederick William Menke was born in Westphalia, kingdom of Prussia, Germany, on the 21st day of April, 1832, and would have completed the seventy-sixth year of his eventful and successful life had he lived until the 21st of next month. He was the eldest of six children born to Herman H. and Hannah (nee Ricksick) Menke. His father was a farmer and veterinary surgeon, and after the deceased had completed his studies in the elementary schools of his country at the age of fifteen years, he spent the next five years at home assisting his father in the work on the farm. In 1852, he emigrated to this country, landing at New Orleans, from where he came to Quincy. With him on the same ship came the late Herman Heidbreder and Mrs. Hannah Niemeyer, who were born and reared in the same locality where Mr. Menke's parents resided. They were eleven weeks on the ocean.
In Quincy, he learned the trade of a stonecutter, working at his trade until 1863, when he began to operate as a contractor and builder. Being a skilled workman, a man of honor, who never failed in giving satisfaction, his business grew steadily until he became not only the most prominent contractor and builder in his line of work in the city, but in this section of the country as well.
In 1886, he organized the F. W. Menke Stone and Lime company, of which he was president up to his death. The stone works of this company are the most extensive in western Illinois, and are located along the bluffs of the Mississippi river, and the tracks of the C., B. & Q. railroad. Besides, stone and granite is shipped from various states to these yards, where it is sawed and dressed for building purposes. The workforce of the company is about 160 men and the business which he established is one of the leading ones of this city.
Besides being at the head of this company, the deceased was an eminently successful contractor and builder. Many of Quincy's beautiful residences and public buildings are monuments to his energy and ability, and his reputation as a contractor extends through the whole state of Illinois, as well as the adjoining states. His first large contract was the Adams county court house. Since then, he has had contracts for court houses in Kirksville, Sedalia, Knox City, Jerseyville, and possibly a score of other cities. He has put up public and state buildings at Peoria and Springfield, and the immense business which has become an important factor in Quincy's industrial development, has been planned and built up by him. Among the more prominent buildings in Quincy besides the court house, the contracts of which were awarded to him, are the C., B. & Q. and Wabash depots, and the public library.
In 1874, he was elected vice president and director of the Building and Homestead association, of which he later became president. He was interested in many other of the city's enterprises, but not in the capacity of director or official of these companies.
In politics, he was a staunch Republican and as long as he took an interest in this, there were few men better known throughout the state than he. His fine character and his honesty won all who had dealings with him. In 1892, he was one of the Republican electors-at-large for the state of Illinois. In 1897, he was appointed by Governor Tanner as commissioner of the state asylum for insane at Bartonville, and later Governor Yates appointed him as commissioner of the central hospital for the insane at Jacksonville.
For sixteen years, he served as alderman of the Fourth ward. In 1892, he was elected as supervisor, but declined the re-nomination at the end of the term. In 1899, he was offered the nomination for mayor, but refused it, owing to the growth of his business and his other connections.
In 1855, the deceased was married to Miss Louise Wulfmeyer, the daughter of Henry Wulfmeyer. To this union were born six children, five of whom with the mother survive him. The children are: Amelia, the widow of Frank Hagenbruch; William G. Menke; Edward H. Menke; Anna, wife of Edward Ruff, and Fred C. Menke. John H. Menke, the fourth child, died seven years ago at the age of thirty years. He died March 29th, 1901, between 1 and 2 o'clock. The father died yesterday, March 29th, at 1:25 o'clock, the two deaths being exactly seven years apart, to the hour. Besides his widow and the five children mentioned, he leaves sixteen grandchildren.
The deceased was a member of Bodley lodge, No. 1, A. F. and A. M., a thirty-second degree Mason and a member of Beauseant commandery, Knights Templar. Besides, he was a member of Adams lodge of Odd Fellows, and of the A. O. U. W.
- Transcribed by Tree Leaf.
FREDERICK W. MENKE
DIED SUNDAY MORNING
Prominent Contractor and Former
Republican Leader Passed Away --
Had Stroke of Paralysis Some Years
Ago and Had Been Steadily Failing Since.
FREDERICK W. MENKE.
Frederick William Menke, one of Quincy's leading citizens and a man who did much towards the development of the city, and who was widely and favorably known, passed away at his residence, at 300 South Twelfth street, at about 12:30 Sunday morning. Death was caused by a complication of ailments, the direct cause being diabetes. Eight years ago he suffered a paralytic stroke, which was followed by a second a year later. Although affected by these, he was always able to be about, up to eight weeks ago, when he suffered another and, owing to the advanced stage of the other disease, he grew weaker rapidly, until death finally relieved him yesterday morning. The family had hoped that his remarkable vitality and rugged constitution would triumph as on previous occasions, but hoped against hope, as the physician did not give any assurance. For a time it seemed as if he were improving, but it was only for a few days. Then his condition gradually grew worse until he peacefully passed away, surrounded by his children and his devoted wife.
Although nearly 76 years of age, the deceased was well preserved and did not show his years. Up to the time when he suffered the first paralytic stroke, he showed no decrease in his capacity for work, and continued at the head of the large business of which he was the founder. Although his ailment caused him to leave the details of his business to others, he still kept up his interest in it, and up to the time when he was stricken the third time, rarely a day passed that he was not at the office. During the past few weeks it became evident that he could not recover, and that the end was but a question of time.
Frederick William Menke was born in Westphalia, kingdom of Prussia, Germany, on the 21st day of April, 1832, and would have completed the seventy-sixth year of his eventful and successful life had he lived until the 21st of next month. He was the eldest of six children born to Herman H. and Hannah (nee Ricksick) Menke. His father was a farmer and veterinary surgeon, and after the deceased had completed his studies in the elementary schools of his country at the age of fifteen years, he spent the next five years at home assisting his father in the work on the farm. In 1852, he emigrated to this country, landing at New Orleans, from where he came to Quincy. With him on the same ship came the late Herman Heidbreder and Mrs. Hannah Niemeyer, who were born and reared in the same locality where Mr. Menke's parents resided. They were eleven weeks on the ocean.
In Quincy, he learned the trade of a stonecutter, working at his trade until 1863, when he began to operate as a contractor and builder. Being a skilled workman, a man of honor, who never failed in giving satisfaction, his business grew steadily until he became not only the most prominent contractor and builder in his line of work in the city, but in this section of the country as well.
In 1886, he organized the F. W. Menke Stone and Lime company, of which he was president up to his death. The stone works of this company are the most extensive in western Illinois, and are located along the bluffs of the Mississippi river, and the tracks of the C., B. & Q. railroad. Besides, stone and granite is shipped from various states to these yards, where it is sawed and dressed for building purposes. The workforce of the company is about 160 men and the business which he established is one of the leading ones of this city.
Besides being at the head of this company, the deceased was an eminently successful contractor and builder. Many of Quincy's beautiful residences and public buildings are monuments to his energy and ability, and his reputation as a contractor extends through the whole state of Illinois, as well as the adjoining states. His first large contract was the Adams county court house. Since then, he has had contracts for court houses in Kirksville, Sedalia, Knox City, Jerseyville, and possibly a score of other cities. He has put up public and state buildings at Peoria and Springfield, and the immense business which has become an important factor in Quincy's industrial development, has been planned and built up by him. Among the more prominent buildings in Quincy besides the court house, the contracts of which were awarded to him, are the C., B. & Q. and Wabash depots, and the public library.
In 1874, he was elected vice president and director of the Building and Homestead association, of which he later became president. He was interested in many other of the city's enterprises, but not in the capacity of director or official of these companies.
In politics, he was a staunch Republican and as long as he took an interest in this, there were few men better known throughout the state than he. His fine character and his honesty won all who had dealings with him. In 1892, he was one of the Republican electors-at-large for the state of Illinois. In 1897, he was appointed by Governor Tanner as commissioner of the state asylum for insane at Bartonville, and later Governor Yates appointed him as commissioner of the central hospital for the insane at Jacksonville.
For sixteen years, he served as alderman of the Fourth ward. In 1892, he was elected as supervisor, but declined the re-nomination at the end of the term. In 1899, he was offered the nomination for mayor, but refused it, owing to the growth of his business and his other connections.
In 1855, the deceased was married to Miss Louise Wulfmeyer, the daughter of Henry Wulfmeyer. To this union were born six children, five of whom with the mother survive him. The children are: Amelia, the widow of Frank Hagenbruch; William G. Menke; Edward H. Menke; Anna, wife of Edward Ruff, and Fred C. Menke. John H. Menke, the fourth child, died seven years ago at the age of thirty years. He died March 29th, 1901, between 1 and 2 o'clock. The father died yesterday, March 29th, at 1:25 o'clock, the two deaths being exactly seven years apart, to the hour. Besides his widow and the five children mentioned, he leaves sixteen grandchildren.
The deceased was a member of Bodley lodge, No. 1, A. F. and A. M., a thirty-second degree Mason and a member of Beauseant commandery, Knights Templar. Besides, he was a member of Adams lodge of Odd Fellows, and of the A. O. U. W.
- Transcribed by Tree Leaf.
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