William Maeys

William Maeys, a leading merchant and prominent business man residing in the village of Maeystown, has the honor of being a native of Monroe County, his birth having occurred near Columbia on the 4th of July, 1842. His parents, George and Elizabeth (Reaup) Maeys, were both natives of Germany, and by their union they had six children, two of whom are now deceased. Those yet living are Jacob, Henry, Matilda and William. Mr. and Mrs. Maeys spent their childhood and youth in the Fatherland. They were members of the Lutheran Church, and were highly respected people. A record of their lives appears elsewhere in this volume.

No event of special importance occurred during the boyhood of our subject, who was reared in the usual manner of farmer lads, attending the district schools during the winter months, and aiding in the labors of the field in the summer season. He continued with his parents until eighteen years of age, and then started out in life for himself. He first earned his livelihood by working as a farm hand for $7 per month, but wishing to engage in commercial pursuits, he went to Red Bud in 1861 and there began clerking. He was thus employed in Red Bud and Maeystown for thirty years, being a most successful sales man. In 1893, he purchased the store of which he is now proprietor and has since been doing business for himself.

In 1868, Mr. Maeys was united in marriage with Miss Christina Riffle, a native of Monroe County. Their only child is now deceased, and Mrs. Maeys died at the early age of twenty years. She held membership with the Lutheran Church. In 1870, our subject was again married, his second union being with Miss Margaret Studt, a native of Germany. She spent her maidenhood days in that land and in its public schools acquired a good education. In 1867, she left the home of her girlhood, and with her sister crossed the Atlantic and came direct to Monroe County, Ill. By this union were born ten children, Anna E., Jacob, George, Bertha, Caroline, William, Matilda, Alvin and two now deceased. The children are attending the Maeystown School. It is the intention of their parents to give them good educational privileges and thus fit them for life's practical duties. The family is one of prominence in the community, the Maeys home is the abode of hospitality, and the members of the household rank high in social circles.

Both Mr. and Mrs. Maeys hold membership with the Lutheran Church and contribute liberally to its support. He votes with the Democratic party and does all in his power to insure its success. He is now a successful merchant, enjoying a splendid trade, and he and his estimable wife are numbered among the highly respected citizens of his native county.