McDonough ILGenWeb

ODENWELLER, Isaiah, formerly the popular proprietor of a livery stable in Macomb, McDonough County, Ill., and twice Mayor of the city, was born in Scotland Township, McDonough County, November 29, 1856, a son of Leonard Odenweller, a native of Baden, Germany, and Elizabeth (Denby) Odenweller, who was born in Ohio. Leonard Odenweller came to Macomb in 1845, worked at blacksmithing, and cultivated his farm of 450 acres, nine miles southeast of Macomb. His family consisted of four boys and three girls. Isaiah was the youngest of the boys, but was older than two of his sisters. He lived on the farm with his parents until he reached the age of twenty-two years, attending the public school when opportunity offered. He then married and carried on farming until he was thirty years old, when he came to Macomb, and was there engaged for two years in the butchering business. This he sold out and in the spring of 1889, established himself in the livery, feed and sale business, on the corner of Washington and South Randolph Streets, where he built a new house and barn. At times he had partners, and January 1, 1902, William Miles was taken into partnership with him. He sold out his interest to Mr. Miles January 2, 1903, and retired from active business. He had fine road horses, when dealing in such stock, and when conducting the livery business, kept the best of vehicles and horses. Mr. Odenweller was united in marriage with Martha E. Ellis, who was born and attended school in Macomb. They have one child, Walter L., born October 31, 1886. Mrs. Odenweller's parents, John G. and Susan Mary (Breckenridge) Ellis, were born, respectively, in Franklin, Ind., and Pennsylvania. Her paternal grandfather, James Ellis, was a native of Kentucky, as was also her grandfather on the mother's side, James Breckenridge. The latter's wife, Sarah Eliza McKee, was born in Indiana. Grandfather Breckenridge was a Presbyterian minister in that State. Grandfather Ellis was a Captain of Mississippi River boats for a number of years. John G. Ellis, Mrs. Odenweller's father, was engaged in the drug business in Indiana, and also for five years, in Macomb. He died in 1862. Politically, Mr. Odenweller is a Republican, served three terms as School Director of Industry Township, has represented the Third Ward of Macomb in the City Council, was elected Mayor of Macomb in 1887, and to the same office for a second term in 1893. The religious connection of Mr. Odenweller is with the Christian Church, and fraternally, he is affiliated with the Masonic Order, and the I. O. O. F., K. of P. and M. W. A. In his business, political and social relations he has always maintained a blameless reputation, and wherever known, is highly esteemed.

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Source: The Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois and History of McDonough County, compiled by Dr. Newton Bateman, and Paul Shelby, 1907, volume 2, pages 970-971, extracted 17 Mar 2020 by Norma Hass.