DANIEL G. FITZGERRELL
One of the most prominent men of this part of Southern Illinois
is Daniel G. Fitzgerrell, banker, large land owner and leading Mason.
He is connected with no less than three of the substantial monetary
institutions of this section, namely: the private bank of Watson,
Fitzgerrell & Company, which he assisted in organizing and of which
he is cashier; the First National Bank of Sesser, Illinois; and the
Bank of Bonnie, Illinois. Of calm, sane and judicious character, and
even more careful of the interests of others than his own, he is of
the best possible material for a financier and the county is indeed
fortunate in possessing one of his calibre in a position of such
importance. Mr. Fitzgerrell is a man of property and has eloquently
manifested his confidence in the present and future prosperity of this
part of the state by making himself the possessor of several hundred
acres of land located in Franklin, Jefferson and Gallatin counties.
Among his other interests he deals extensively in stock.
Mr. Fitzgerrell is a native son of Jefferson county, his birth having
occurred within its boundaries February 10, 1869. He is the descendant
of James J. Fitzgerrell, who removed from Indiana to Illinois when a
young man, where he became a farmer and passed the remainder of his days.
His maternal grandfather also lived in Franklin county for a number of
years, having come there as one of the early settlers. All of Mr.
Fitzgerrell's forebears gave hand and heart to the men and measures of
the Democratic party. His father and mother were James J. and Sarah (Whitlow)
Fitzgerrell, the birth of the former having occurred near Richmond, Virginia,
and that of the latter in Franklin county, near Ewing. The mother, whose
demise occurred in 1903, and who was a member of the Missionary Baptist
church, was the father's second wife, the death of his first wife,
whose name was Patsy Ann Martin, having occurred in 1861. Evan Fitzgerrell,
a leading citizen of Benton, is a son of the previous marriage. The father's
death was in 1889, and he is remembered as one of the most successful
farmers and stock-raisers in the history of Jefferson county. He eventually
became the owner of a large tract of land. He was a Mason and an active
member of the Missionary Baptist church and all good causes were sure of
his support. Mr. Fitzgerrell received a good education, and after leaving
his desk in the public school room became a student in Ewing College, from
which he was eventually graduated. His first experience as a wage-earner
was in the capacity of a bookkeeper at Marion, which position he held for
one year. He then embarked in business on his own account, choosing the
hardware field. After a time in this occupation he accepted the position
of deputy postmaster at Mount Vernon, which he held for three years. After
that he traveled extensively as salesman. In 1903 he entered upon his
career as a banker, in which he has been eminently successful, and in
which he has displayed ability of a high order. In that year he organized
the private bank of Watson, Fitzgerrell & Company, and in the division of
offices himself assumed that of cashier. This bank has a large capital stock
and is conducted upon the securest and most admirable principles. Mr.
Fitzgerrell is a man of wealth, the nucleus of his fortunes having been a
heritage left to him by his father.
On May 25, 1887, Mr. Fitzgerrell was happily married to Pauline Goddard,
daughter of Monroe Goddard, an early settler of Williamson county, her
grandfather having brought his family here as one of the earliest of the
pioneers. He was a merchant and played a prominent and praiseworthy part
in the many-sided life of his community, leaving behind him for generations
to come an example worthy of emulation. Mr. and Mrs. Fitzgerrell have reared
a family of three children, all promising young citizens. Monroe G. is his
father's assistant in the bank; Jack A. is a student in Ewing College; and
Mary K. is pursuing her public school studies. Mr. and Mrs. Fitzgerrell are
valued members of the Methodist Episcopal church and the former is a widely
known Mason, belonging to Ewing lodge, No. 705; H. W. Hubbard Chapter, No. 160,
Mount Vernon; and the Knights Templar, No. 64, Mount Vernon. He is the district
grand deputy of the Forty-fifth Masonic district and is also grand lecturer of
the state of Illinois. He is now master of the Masonic lodge at Ewing and has
held that office for five years. In the ancient and august order he is held in
high esteem and affection and successfully lives up to its high ideals. In his
political faith he subscribes to the tenets of the Democratic party, in whose
wisdom his father believed.
Source: History of Southern Illinois George Washington Smith,
M. A. VOLUME I - III ILLUSTRATED
THE LEWIS PUBLISHING COMPANY CHICAGO AND NEW YORK 1912
Page 1341 - 1343
Submitted by Robert W. Loman
|
