Biography - George Settlemire
GEORGE L. SETTLEMIRE is the enterprising and popular proprietor of the Wabash Elevator, which is located north of the depot in Litchfield. His father, David O. Settlemire, was born in Cape Girardeau, Mo., and came to Jersey County, Ill., in his boyhood, when the country was as yet unsettled. Amid pioneer surroundings lie there grew to maturity, and on starting out in life for himself, he became a mechanic. Later, he went to Carlinville, and engaged in the grain business. While at Gillespie he established a mill, and conducted both lines from 1860 until 1867, when he sold out and embarked in the grain business at this place. He built an elevator here that has a capacity of twenty-five thousand bushels of grain. Mr. Settlemire's marriage occurred at Carlinville, the bride being Miss Sarah J. Adams, who is still living. To them were born two children, our subject, and lola E., who became the wife of W. A. Aruthers, of the Mt. Vernon Car Company. David O. Settlemire was one of the organizers of the Car Company, and for ten or twelve years was the President of what was called the Litchfield Car Company. In April, 1890, he established the Mt. Vernon Car Works, in which he is the main stockholder, and of which he has been President. He has been a very active and progressive man in the locality, and has done much to make the city what it is. He has always been interested in the grain and elevator business, but January 1, 1892, he sold this business to his son George, and now gives his time entirely to the Mt. Vernon Car Company.
The birth of our subject took place July 26, 1851, and after completing his education in the schools of this city, he immediately went into business. The grain business was not new to him, as he had been acquainted with elevators all of his life, and he took entire charge of the one built by his father. He does an extensive business, and ships to Eastern and Southern markets, while his trade in the local market is also large.
The marriage of Mr. Settlemire took place in November, 1887, when he was united in marriage with Miss Ella E., daughter of Hon. P. B. Updyke, who is an old and respected citizen of this place. Two children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Settlemire: David P. and Wilber Linn. The family of which Mr. Settlemire is a member has been identified with the progress of the nation through several generations. His life has been such as to add lustre to the honored name he bears, and he has acquired prosperity by close industry and the exercise of excellent judgment.
Extracted 10 Jan 2017 by Norma Hass from 1892 Portrait and Biographical Record of Montgomery and Bond Counties, Illinois, page 351.
