Henry Clemens Overstolz

Overstolz, Henry Clemens, who achieved distinction as mayor of St. Louis, and also as a man of affairs, was born in the city of Munster, Province of Westphalia, Prussia, July 4, 1822, and died in St. Louis November 29, 1887. He was a direct descendant of a Roman Superbus—translated or Germanized Overstolz, and of the oldest patrician family of Cologne, and one renowned for its prowess in war and its prominence in civil life. Members of this family were merchant prices of the thirteenth, fourteenth and fifteenth centuries, and the name is held in high esteem in their native city of Cologne. In the year 1268, Mathias von Overstolz, a nightly prince, and one of the most celebrated of his name, headed a successful resistance to the assaults of the forces of the archbishop, who had often endeavored to deprive the free city of its charter. He lost his life in this struggle, and the grateful citizens erected to his memory a state, which is still to be seen in their city hall, and to which the late Henry Overstolz, of St. Louis, bore a striking resemblance. Johann von Overstolz, a brother of Mathias, was the mayor of Cologne in the year 1275. Gerhard von Overstolz, son of Mathias, fell in the battle of Worringen, in 1287, for a patriotic cause similar to that espoused by his father, It had been the hereditary right of the patricians to have the chief magistrate of Cologne selected from among their number, and for opposing the forcible abrogation of this right, the landed states of the Overstolz house were confiscated. and they, together with fifteen other Patrician families, were banished from the city, and most of them fled to Westphalia. Although legal steps were early instituted for the restoration of their property by the Overstolz claimants, the question remains undetermined and the records of the German courts are still encumbered with the Proceedings of this celebrated suit. The Overstolz family donated the first half of Cologne Cathedral, this fact being attested by authentic ‘records. That they were held in the greatest esteem in the old city of Cologne is evidenced by the fact that the city purchased the ancient family

As printed in Encyclopedia of the history of St. Louis, a compendium of history and biography for ready reference (v. 3) (1899). See the original pages. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.

Overstolz, Henry Clemens, who achieved distinction as mayor of St. Louis, and also as a man of affairs, was born in the city of Mimster, Province of Westphalia, Prussia, July 4, 1822, and died in St. Louis, November 29, 1887. He was liberally educated before coming to this country. In 1846 he settled in St. Louis, and opened a general merchandising establishment. He was phenomenally successful, and retired in 1853 to become interested in various lumber enterprises. In 1867 he retired with a handsome fortune, and thereafter until his death was prominently identified with the banking and insurance interests of the city. His public life began in 1847, in which year he was elected a member of the city council. He retained his membership of that body until 1853, when he was elected comptroller of the city. He was re-elected to that office the following year, and received a third nomination, but was defeated as a result of the "Know-Nothing" movement. It is worthy of remark that he was the first German ever elected to a city office in St. Louis, and when, in the autumn of 1856, he was elected a member of the State Board of Public Works, he was also the first German to be elevated to a State office in Missouri. He was again elected to the city council in 1871, in 1872 and in 1873, when he became its presiding officer. In 1875 became an independent candidate for mayor, and his opponent, Mr. Barret, was declared elected. Mr. Overstolz contested the election, and, after an exciting legl controversy, which lasted nearly a year, he established his title and was inaugurated February 9, 1876. In 1877 he was elected under the provisions of t!ic new charter, which fixed the term of the mayor at four years. He was mayor during the great railroad strike of 1877, and acted with prudence and determination. He had a large and carefully selected library, and he had a valuable gallery of paintings and other works of art. He married Miss Philippine Espenschied, daughter of an old and prominent citizen of St. Louis, who married, some years after his death, Dr. Otto E. Forster.

Oweny F B*, educator, was born in 1875, near Clinton, Missouri, son of Judge B. L. Owen. He was reared on a farm and obtained his early education in the public schools. He then completed a course of study at Qinton Academy, and later was graduated from the State Normal School at Kirksville. He also did special work at the University of Missouri and at the University of Chicago. He first taught school in a rural district in the southern part of Henry County, and then obtained a position in the Qinton High School. Shortly afterward he was made principal of this school, and in 1897 was elected superintendent of schools at California, Missouri. He remained at California until 1899, when he was made superintendent of the schools of Clinton, his old home. There he has gained well merited distinction as the head of the school system of the city and as a competent and faithful instructor.

Owens' Station* — The name by which the present town of Bridgeton, St. Louis County, was known prior to its incorporation, in 1843. It was so called because an early fort erected there for protection against the Indians was commanded by one William Owens.

As printed in Encyclopedia of the history of Missouri (v. 5) (1901). See the original pages. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.