Druse, W. H. MAGA © 2000-2014
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BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW OF CASS, SCHUYLER and BROWN COUNTIES, Illinois - 1892

Chicago: Biographical Review Publishing Co.
Page 577

W. H. DRUSE, passenger and freight agent at Beardstown for the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad since 1886, was born in Henry county, Illinois and was reared, educated and has always lived in this State. His father lived on a farm when he was born and reared in that calling; later he learned the trade of a carriage painter, but after pursuing the trade for a short time he found it was not congenial and so did not continue it. He then entered into the employ of the railroad. Since then he has been successful and has saved part of his income, with which he has purchased various pieces of real estate: in this is the valuable farm in Clay county of 160 acres. It was uncultivated when he purchased it, but he has improved it until it is one of the best farms in the county. He has put a good farm house and farm building on it and has planted a large number of fine trees.

Mr. Druse comes of Eastern people, his parents being from Kentucky. His father, Stephen Druse, was a farmer in Illinois and finally ended his days with his son in Leland, Illinois. His wife, whose maiden name was Driggs, is still living and makes her home with Mr. Druse. She is now an old lady and holds to the doctrines of the Presbyterian Church. She has only five living children, all of whom, excepting Mr. Druse, are residents of Nebraska.

Mr. Druse came to Beardstown in 1882 and has not lost at single day since from the pursuit of his duty. He has exclusive charge of the passenger and freight depots and has always proved himself worthy of the trust imposed in him. There are from twelve to twenty-five men under him all the time. He is a popular young man in his city and has the confidence of his employers. He has a thorough knowledge of his business and is a man of good habits. When he first came to the city he was clerk and night agent for the Quincy Railroad until 1886. He was also connected with the main line, with headquarters at Leland for some time. When he was first employed he was the youngest man in the employ of the road.

He was married in Beardstown, to Miss Bertha Boehme of Williamsville, Illinois. She was yet young when her parents came to Beardstown and here she was reared and educated. Her father, Julius Boehme, was a native of Germany who settled in Illinois and was engaged as a mechanic until his death. His wife followed her husband some years afterward and was about the same age when she died. Her maiden name was Anna Phillipi and she also was a native of Germany. She came to this country with her husband and they became pioneers of Beardstown. Here they spent the remainder of their days. They were people quite well known to the people of this city and county and can be properly associated with the history of this place.

Mr. and Mrs. Druse have a close social relation with the better class of Beardstown society, and are prosperous, progressive young people who will make life a success. They adhere to the moral principles of life, but hold to no church creed. Mr. Druse is a stanch Democrat, but is no officer seeker. He is an active worker for the principles of his party in a local way. He is a working member of the Masonic order, Cass Lodge, No. 23, and takes a live interest in public matters tending to benefit the city and county.

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