GODFRED TENDICK, who is widely known throughout Morgan County, is a manufacturer of bricks, and proprietor of the old Edgemond Yard, situated on the corner of Morton and Tendick streets, of Jacksonville. He was born in Germany in 1830, and is the son of John and Jennie (Finmans) Tendick, also natives of the Fatherland. His father was engaged in farming from his youth. In 1853 he determined to come to this country, but did not live long enough after his arrival to appreciate its institutions and liberty. His death occurred four weeks after coming to this city, and the mother followed him two weeks later, leaving a family of eight children, only three of whom are living, viz.: Hannah, now Mrs. Ringmeister, of Logan County, in this State; Derrie, and our subject, both of Jacksonville.

The early education of our subject was obtained in the schools of his native country, which he continued to attend until twelve years of age, then learned the spool and weaving business. When seventeen years of age, he commenced boot and shoe making, and continued to work at that trade for about thirty-three years. In 1850 he came to America, and was soon well established in his business, which he followed for about twenty years, keeping in constant employment throughout that time from seven to ten men. Closing up his business in 1878, he engaged in brick-making in Jacksonville, and was for two years a member of the firm of Caspold, Reid & Tendick; the firm continued for the succeeding three years under the name of Reid & Tendick, but at the end of that period, our subject bought Mr. Reid's interest, and since that time has conducted the business alone. He has always in his employ from fifteen to twenty-five men and in addition to local trade, ships largely into the surrounding towns and country.

Mr. Tendick has built two stores and numerous houses in the city, always seeking its advancement and improvement. He also finds time to supervise the farming of his landed property, comprising 300 acres of some of the best agricultural land in the district. He is the head of a family that occupies a high position in local society, and is regarded as one of Jacksonville's substantial, public-spirited and loyal citizens.

In the year 1854, the subject of this biography, was joined in wedlock with Miss Belle Tendick, the daughter of Peter and Jane (Schutten) Tendick, who also were natives of Germany. Her father was occupied in agriculture in the Fatherland, but learning from friends of bright prospects in America, concluded that this country would be better for his children, and therefore came hither in the year 1853, and settled in Jacksonville. The home circle included five children, four of whom are living, viz.: Mrs. Tendick, the wife of our subject; William; Catharine, now Mrs. Kastrup; all residents of the above city; and John, whose home is in Texas. The father and mother continued to reside in Jacksonville until their death, which occurred in the year 1854, the father's death succeeding that of the mother in two weeks.

The family of our subject comprises also five children, to whom have been given the names here subjoined: Jennie, now Mrs. Porten of this city, who has become the mother of four children - Lillie, Clarence, Elmer, and a child who died in infancy; Peter, (deceased); John S., who is engaged in business at Canton, this State, and who married Rosetta Thompson, a native of Canton; Edward and Clara K.

Both our subject and his wife are members in good standing of the German Methodist church, of which Mr. Tendick is one of the Trustees. In matters relating to political economy, he espouses the cause of the Republican party, and has always been one of its firmest adherents and warmest supporters.

This volume, designed to perpetuate the names of influential citizens of Morgan County, would be incomplete, did it not portray the faces of those men, known and honored by all as powerful agents in upbuilding the county. Among such Mr. Tendick occupies a prominent place, and consequently his portrait contributes to the value of the work.