Dependent very largely upon his own resources from early youth, the
subject of this sketch has attained to no insignificant success, and though
he may have, like many another business man, met with some misfortune and
encountered many obstacles he has pressed steadily forward, ever willing to
work for the end which he has in view. He has become one of the leading
merchants of Centralia, Illinois, and he has built up a business that is
known throughout the county.
Jacob D. Breeze was born September 27,
1868, in Washington county, Illinois, the son of David and Eliza (Baldwin)
Breeze. There were fourteen children in their family, eight of whom are
living in 1908, our subject being the eighth in order of birth; of those
living seven are boys and one a girl. David Breeze was born in Jefferson
county, Illinois, in 1844, and died when fifty-two years old, after a busy
and useful life. The subject's mother is still living in Jefferson county on
the old home place and, although advanced in years, enjoys fairly good
health. She was born in Washington county, this state.
Jacob D.
Breeze received his early education in the common schools of his native
community and remained at home until he reached maturity.
Mr. Breeze
was united in marriage with Ida V. Walker on October 22, 1885. She was the
daughter of G. W. and Esther (Breeze) Walker, being the fourth child in a
family consisting of five children. To our subject and wife two children
have been born, both bright and interesting, namely: Jewell, whose date of
birth is recorded as May 30, 1897; and Lottie, who was born October 2, 1899.
Both are attending the public schools in Centralia.
After leaving
school at the age of eighteen years, our subject went to work on a farm in
that neighborhood in Jefferson county and made a success of this line of
work, but believing that the city offered greater inducements to him, he
came to Centralia and began the livery, feed and sale business, and for five
years made this a marked success in every respect when he sold out and
started in the implement and harness business, which he has since conducted,
the firm name being Breeze & Watts. They enjoy a liberla patronage, their
trade extending to all parts of the county, for they handle an up-to-date
and carefully selected stock at all times, and their prices are always
right. Here all customers are accorded the most courteous treatment by the
managers and their efficient employes. This store has a floor space of one
hundred and sixty by forty feet. In politics our subject is a Republican and
always takes a great interest in political affairs, lending what assistance
he can in placing the best men possible in local offices. Mr. Breeze follows
the precepts of his parents and is a faithful member of the Christian
church. He is always on the right side of all public questions.
Extracted 27 May 2019 by Norma Hass from 1909 Biographical and Reminiscent History of Richland, Clay and Marion Counties, Illinois, pages 566-567.