Biography - David Mautz
DAVID MAUTZ. Most of the new lines of thought instituted in this country
are not original with Americans, but are the outcome of the conditions under
which our alien elements have lived. It is true that not all of these new
ideas are desirable, as for instance, the anarchistic class, which was
introduced from Germany but has been re-enforced by representatives from
every oppressed nation. However, even the anarchists may effect a change in
the relation of the different classes of commercial and social life.
Evolution in science and art is most prominently demonstrated by the Germans
of whom our subject is one. He resides on section 32, of Rural Township,
having thereon a fine and well cultivated farm that shows the intelligent
care that he has brought to bear upon the place.
Our subject was born in Wurtemburg, Germany, January 8, 1845, and is a son
of George and Rosina Maria Mautz, for whose further history see sketch of
John F. Mautz in another part of this Record. In 1852, when every nation
seemed to be in a volcanic state, and there was a restlessness that pervaded
every class of society, the family of which our subject was one, decided to
emigrate to the United States. After landing they proceeded at once to
Fairfield County, Ohio, where they remained for two years, and then came to
this State, settling in Shelby County.
The early life of the original of our sketch was spent upon a farm, where he
drew in the spirit of freedom with every breath of air that he inspired. He
early familiarized himself with the work of a farmer and his training in
this direction was carried on by his father in the thrifty and speculative
German fashion, making intelligent observation second the efforts of hard
and constant manual labor. The intervals of farm duties were filled by
attendance at the district schools, after which he attended the Okaw
Academy, at Shelbyville. He then finished his training at the University of
Chicago, and was thus fitted to begin the practical lessons of life, he
began his career by teaching school for two years in his home district. He
then went to Chicago, where he served as clerk in the Chicago Savings Bank,
for a period of five years, after which he returned to Shelby County, and
has since then resided in Rural Township.
November 15, 1876, our subject took upon himself the duties and the
responsibilities of the marital relation, his bride being Louisa F. Weber, a
daughter of Jacob Weber. The lady was born in Wurtemburg, Germany, March 31,
1852. They at once set up their flares and penates and the future seemed
bright before them. For several years his wife was spared that he might know
how sweet a thing a home is. December 12, 1885, she passed to the mysterious
unknown, leaving one son, Edmund J. to be the comfort of the bereaved
father.
Mr. Mautz makes his home on the place originally owned by his father. It
comprises one hundred and seventy-six and two-thirds acres of land, one
hundred and sixty acres of which are fine prairie, and well improved. He of
whom we write, fraternizes with adherents of the Democratic party. Although
a man who is fitted to fill any position in the gift of the county, he has
no desire for public office or emoluments. He is a member of the Swedenborg
Church. William Mautz, who is a member of our subject's family, was born
October 23, 1841. He received his training in the common schools of Germany
and the United States. He is interested in the land of which our subject is
accredited owner.
Extracted 10 Apr 2018 by Norma Hass from 1891 Portrait and Biographical Record of Shelby and Moultrie Counties Illinois, pagee 512.
