J. P. BAUJAN is one of the representative business men of Meredosia. In his building, which is 20x120 feet, and situated on Main street, he carried on a hardware and agricultural implement business, and is also a dealer in lumber. In most country villages there is one man who generally occupies the position of "guide, philosopher and friend." If there is any advice to be given, or should any enterprise require a leader, there are one or two men who are considered the most competent for this place, and the subject of this sketch is what may be termed a leading man of his village.
He was formerly in business with D. H. Lollis. This partnership existed for twenty years, under the firm name of D. H. Lollis & Co. Some three years ago Mr. Baujan purchased Mr. Lollis' interest in the business, and thus became the sole proprietor. Mr. Baujan is a native of Siegburg, Germany, and was born Oct. 29, 1827. He came to America in 1852, landed at New Orleans, and from that port he pushed on immediately to Beardstown, Cass Co., Ill., and at once went to Arenzville. In 1856 he first came to Meredosia. Here he started a small business of a combination bakery and grocery store. This venture prospered, and he followed it for several years, when he formed the partnership spoken of before, and engaged in the lumber business, the other lines having been added since. He has the only lumber-yard in Meredosia.
In 1888 he served as President of the Town Board in Meredosia, and is now holding the office of Overseer of the Poor in his district - a position for which his charitable impulses admirably fit him. He is a member of the Masonic Order and of the Benevolent Lodge No. 52, which is one of the oldest lodges in the State. He is also a Knight Templar. He is an enthusiastic and hard-working member of these orders.
Mr. Baujan is a Democrat, and is an influential member of his party, but he is in favor, largely, of selecting the best men for offices, and, generally speaking, party ties rest upon him lightly. He has made all he possesses since he came to this country, which has been a result of his ability as a money-getter and of his sterling integrity. He was married to Matilda Keuchler, who bore him five children - Minnie, Emma, Louisa, Ida and Nellie - four of whom are living.
Mr. Baujan is a practical illustration of what this country has done, and is doing, for people who strictly mind their own business, and who go forward in their work with a determination to win. His large amount of pluck and German persistence has aided him to attain his present proud position in the hearts of his neighbors and among the business men with whom he has dealings. It can be truthfully said of him that he never intentionally wronged any man, and if a less fortunate person than he, makes application to him for aid or relief, his request is sure to be granted.