J. W. ORWIG, of the firm of Orwig Brothers, successful house painters of Beardstown, is one of the prominent men of the city. The firm employs from two to ten men and are noted for the excellence of their work. They make a speciality of fine graining. The firm includes J. W. and a brother, George. They have been doing business under the present firm name for the past twenty-two years: formerly the firm was known as William D. Orwig & Sons. Mr. Orwig started the business as early as 1857. He was engaged in business with them as journeymen workmen for two years, coming to Beardstown in 1867. Here he died in 1875, aged sixty-three. He was born in Pennsylvania of Pennsylvania Dutch parents. He grew up in his native State, following in his trade of distiller, and was yet a young man when he came to Illinois, settling in Morgan county. Here he was married to Jane Whipp born in Yorkshire, England. She emigrated to this country with her parents, settling in Morgan county in the '30s. Mrs. Orwig remained with her parents until her marriage, and she made her husband a most faithful wife until his death.
For some time after his marriage Mr. Orwig engaged in the mercantile business in Morgan county, but later went to Rushville, Schuyler county, where he was engaged in the same business for a time. In 1857 he entered the painter's trade, having learned his trade in Sandusky, Ohio. He was a good citizen and his loss was felt by all who knew him. He was a Republican in politics from the formation of the party. He was a sound friend and acquaintance of Mr. Lincoln's, having formed his acquaintance while he, Mr. Orwig, was a clerk in the treasury department at Springfield. His wife is still living with her son, George L., at Beardstown and, although she is in her seventy-first year she is very active for her years and is a devoted Methodist and a good Christian woman. Her husband was of the same religious faith.
Our subject is the eldest of two sons and three daughters, namely: Lizzie, wife of John Shaw, retired farmer of Beardstown; Mary, wife of Charles Fulks, wholesale grocer of Peoria, Illinois; Rosa I., wife of Milton McClure of Beardstown; J. W., born in Rushville, Illinois, November 12, 1845, and George.
Our subject was reared and educated in this city and was married here to Ann Summers of Rochester, New York, born in 1869. She came to Beardstown when young with her parents. They are still living in this place and are past middle life. They are well known and highly respected people.
Mr. and Mrs. Orwig are parents of one child: Charles William. The are prominent young married people and are greatly liked by their large circle of friends.