The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
In the 1850's Oquawka was an active commercial site. Emigrants found there way there where opportunity meant hard work and diligence.
One such man was Peter Goempler, stone cutter and mason, who was born in Philippsthal, Hesse, Germany in 1822 and followed his father and grandfather in the stone cutting and mason trade.
In 1846 he married Amelia Bonn and in 1853 they left Germany and said to American landing in New York in 1854. By March the couple were located in Oquawka where Peter followed his trade and later farming land near town.
He had seven children living; he was a member of the German Reformed Church.
1882 History of Henderson County