Adolph Barnewolt

Portrait and Biographical Album of Peoria County (1890)
Transcribed by Gaile Thomas!

ADOLPH H. BARNEWOLT. Among the prominent business men of Peoria is this gentleman, who, although a native of Germany, is yet a devoted citizen of his adopted country. He is identified in many ways with the social and political life of Peoria, and has been Alderman of the Sixth Ward, also Supervisor four years. For two years he was Chairman of the Board of Supervisors, being the first German who ever held that position. He now lives on his pleasant homestead in Limestone Township, retaining the active management of the farm of two hundred and fifty acres. He casts his ballot with the Democratic party, and is a member of the Druids, Independent Order of Odd Fellows and Knights of Honor.

Mr. Barnewolt was born August 1, 1843, in Hanover, Germany. His parents were Henry and Geske Barnewolt, the former a painter by occupation, who came with his family to America in 1856, proceeding directly to Peoria. At that time the family comprised four children, namely: Gerhardt, a painter in Peoria; Johanna, wife of Anton Riegel, of Peoria; Ulrich, also a painter by occupation and a resident of Peoria, and our subject. The father died in Peoria in 1859.

Adolph H., our subject, learned the trade of a painter in Germany, and after coming to the United States, worked for a time in the Peoria House, then became a clerk for Ballenberg in “Yankee Notion.” He also for awhile was engaged in butchering, in the employ of John Smith. This occupation he followed a number of years. Later he was a runner for McFarland’s old hotel, on the corner of Bridge and Adams Streets. He was offered $10 a month and board to work in a brickyard, but after working a half-day concluded that the occupation was not congenial to his tastes, and accordingly ran away.

After following for a time his trade of a painter and engaging in hauling coal, Mr. Barnewolt entered into partnership with Mr. Rose in a restaurant on Fulton Street. After working at this for eight or nine months, he purchased another team and hauled coal, also operated as a painter. Finally he turned his attention to the grocery business and again forming a partnership with Mr. Rose opened a grocery store, which they managed together one year. In 1871 he opened a grocery store on the corner of Lincoln and Webster Streets, which he operated very successfully until 1889. He is at present, as above stated, operating his fine estate in Limestone Township.

Mrs. Barnewolt bore the maiden name of Mary E. Mitchell, and was united in marriage with our subject in 1864. Of this union ten children were born, nine of whom are now living and one deceased. They are named respectively, Henry, Elizabeth, Catherine, Maggie and Myron (twins), Sarah, Leonora, George and Valentine. The family ranks high among the residents of Peoria County and its members are universally esteemed for their worth and integrity.