HELLENTHAL, MICHAEL, who has long been engaged with successful results in the manufacture of carriages in Jacksonville, Morgan County, Ill., and is one of the most successful and highly esteemed members of the community, is a son of Adam and Persinthia (Crescent) Hellenthal. He was left fatherless at the age of three and, as his mother died when he was fifteen years old, he lived thereafter with an aunt until he reached maturity. In early life he learned the carriage maker's trade with A. Allison, of Peoria, Ill., with whom he spent three years. In 1866 he started in business for himself in Jacksonville, where he has since been located. His work includes all kinds of painting and trimming, and the manufacture of fine carriages. Until 1892 he made only wagons and buggies, and is now one of the oldest business men, actively engaged, in Jacksonville.

In 1862 Mr. Hellenthal enlisted at Chicago in Company C, Eighty-second Regiment Illinois Volunteer Infantry, and was there mustered into service. He took part in the battle of Chancellorsville, was captured at Gettysburg, and confined for two months in Belle Isle Prison. After being exchanged and returned to his Company, he participated in the battles of Missionary Ridge and Lookout Mountain. His regiment was then sent to the relief of Rosecrans, and afterward marched to Knoxville, Tenn., to relieve Burnside. He fought at Resaca, Dallas, Kenesaw Mountain, Peach Tree Creek and Atlanta; followed Sherman in the March to the Sea, his last battle being at Bentonville, N. C., and participated in the Grand Review, at Washington. He returned to Chicago, June 9, 1865, where he was mustered out of service. Proceeding directly to Jacksonville, he has since been identified with the city as one of its leading business men.

On November 14, 1867, Mr. Hellenthal was united in marriage with Magdalena Minter, by whom he has had nine children, namely: Charles; Annette (Mrs. T. E. Laurie); Margaret (Mrs. J. H. Coleman); Lucilla (Mrs. J. J. Schafer); Edward, a soldier in the Spanish-American War; Catherine, who resides at home; William, who assists his father in the carriage business; Walter, who lives with his parents, and Roy, who is a student. Politically, Mr. Hellenthal is a Republican; religiously, a member of the Presbyterian Church, and fraternally, connected with the G.A.R. and I.O.O.F. of Jacksonville. The record of Michael Hellenthal, both in war and peace, is of the most commendable order, and will prove a source of perpetual pride to his posterity.