Biography - THOMAS P. MAUTZ
The
senior member of the firm of Mautz & Diddea, proprietors of a general store
at Stewardson, Shelby County, Mr. Mautz has a wide acquaintance in the
adjoining agricultural districts, as well as in the town itself, and he and
his partner are known as upright, honorable dealers, and men of sterling
worth and integrity. The business was established by York & Mautz in 1879.
Mr. York sold out his interest to the present partner, Mr. Diddea, in 1881,
and since they have been in partnership together, the firm has been
successful in its business dealings to a gratifying degree.
Our subject was born in Wurtemberg, Germany, December 21, 1849, and is a son
of George and Rosina (Shantz) Mautz, of whom a fuller history may be found
under the biography of J. F. Mautz, in another part of this volume. Thomas
P., of this sketch, was but a small boy, when the family emigrated to
America, and proceeding to Zanesville and Lancaster, Ohio, remained there a
short time, removing in 1854 to Shelby County, Ill. He assisted on the farm
and early learned the duties incident to such work. He was educated in the
district schools of the vicinity, and continued his residence at home until
he was twenty years of age, when he learned the milling business, working at
Pana and Rosemond.
Later Mr. Mautz removed to Bainbridge, Ind., and thence came to Oconee,
Ill., and after sojourning in the latter place until 1874 came to
Stewardson, which town was just then organized. Here Mr. Mautz for three
years operated a flouring mill and afterward formed a partnership with H. H.
York under the firm name of York & Mautz. Mr. Mautz established a general
mercantile business in Shumway, Ill. in 1878, but one year later removed the
business to Stewardson, in which he has continued until the present time,
being now senior member of the firm. They occupy their own store building
and carry a large general stock of merchandise.
On May 20, 1879, Mr. Mautz and Miss Bertha Karls were united in marriage.
Mrs. Mautz is a daughter of John Karls, of Rural Township, this county, and
was born in Lockville, Ohio, December 13, 1858. They are the parents of four
children — Nora, Lillie, Lottie, and Frankie, all of whom are intelligent
and amiable. Politically our subject affiliates with the Democratic party,
its breadth of platform and free trade principles favoring his notions of
the government that should rule the Republic. He is the founder of the
Stewardson Homestead Loan Association, an organization to help the laboring
man get a home of his own and furnish him with a safe and profitable
investment for his small savings. This association is a large factor for
good in the prosperity of the community and had contributed materially to
the well-being of the citizens. He has been the incumbent of several local
offices in the gift of the town, having been Supervisor of Prairie Township
for seven consecutive terms. During this time he was Chairman of the Board
of Supervisors for three terms. He also held the office of President of the
Village Board, and has filled other local offices. In his religious views
Mr. Mautz is a Swedenborgian. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and
is at present, as he has been for several terms, Master of Sigel Lodge, No.
541, F. & A. M. at Stewardson. His portrait is presented in connection with
this brief biographical review.
Extracted 17 Dec 2018 by Norma Hass from 1891 Portrait and Biographical Record of Shelby and Moultrie Counties Illinois, pages 582-584.
