My Genealogy Hound

CHARLES VESPER. This name will be recognized by many of our readers as that of a gentleman who has been a resident of Steeleville for more than twenty years, and who has also been a potent factor in the development of the interests of this section of the country. A native of Germany, Mr. Vesper was born October 2, 1841, and is the eighth in order of birth among nine children comprising the family of William and Louisa (Bergmann) Vesper, both of whom spent their entire lives in Germany.

In the excellent schools of his native land, the subject of this sketch received a practical education, and at the age of fourteen years commenced to work at an ore furnace, continuing thus engaged for three years. Afterward he was employed in a coal mine until 1866, when he left his native country, and embarking on a steamship crossed the ocean to America. For two years after coming to the United States, he worked in the mines in Pennsylvania, after which he came west to Indiana and was employed in the mines in Daviess County for two years.

From Indiana, Mr. Vesper removed to Illinois, and stayed in Murphysboro until 1873, when he located in Steeleville, and has since been a resident of this place. For ten years he engaged in the retail liquor trade, and then entered the mercantile business, following that exclusively for four years. He then entered the mines again, and still continues thus engaged, but also carries on a profitable mercantile trade.

The marriage of Mr. Vesper occurred January 28, 1868, and united him with Miss Caroline, a daughter of Randell and Sarah (Palmer) Delk, natives of North and South Carolina, respectively, who came to Indiana when quite young and there continued to reside until his death. Of this union there have been born eight children, two of whom died in infancy. Those living are, Christina, who married John Gravener, and lives in Steeleville; Mary, the wife of John Thomas, a resident of Steeleville; Emma, Lydia, Grade and Carrie, who are at home. The daughters have all received excellent educations and are accomplished and popular young ladies.

Since coming to this country, Mr. Vesper has been a careful student of its political institutions, and as a result of his investigations and observations gives to the Democratic party his steadfast support. He has never been an aspirant for office, preferring to devote his time to the conduct of his business and the discharge of his duties as a private citizen. He was reared in the faith of the Presbyterian Church, for which he entertains a preference. Mrs. Vesper is a member of the Baptist Church, and is active in the work of that denomination.