The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
Justice Schlotz, Oquawka, was born in the Province of Hesse, Germany in 1832.
In 1852 he married Elenore Wiegand of the same province and they immigrated to America in 1857.
They came to Oquawka where Mr. Schlitz engaged in the wagon and carriage manufacture. They were the parents of ten children.
Thomas C. Smith, Oquaw-ka, was born in Lebanon, Ohio in 1829. He grew on the farm and at the age of 20 years learned the coach making trade. In 1851 he came to Illinois spending time in Oquawka and Chicago.
In 1854 he traveled to California and returned the same year. On Dec.31, 1857 he married Miss Cordelia F. Richards, the daughter of Jonas and Eliza (Fouts) Richards-early pioneers in Henderson County.
In 1858 he permanently located in Oquawka and manufactured carriages and wagons. In 1871 he turned all his attention to running the Smith House, a hotel in Oquawka.
1882 History of Henderson County