Louise Maertz
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Louise Maertz (1837 - 1918)

Louise Maertz
Born in Quincy, Adams County, Illinoismap
[spouse(s) unknown]
[children unknown]
Died at about age 81 in Quincy, Adams County, Illinoismap
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Profile last modified | Created 26 Oct 2020
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Biography

Notables Project
Louise Maertz is Notable.

Louise Maertz was born in Quincy, Illinois, the daughter of Charles Augustus Maertz and Ottilia Obert Maertz. Both of her parents were German immigrants. Louise was sent to Germany for medical treatment at age 18, where she took the opportunity to travel to Italy and Switzerland and learn as much as she could about the culture and history of Europe.

Upon her return to Quincy in 1858, a rejuvenated Louise devoted herself to helping her family. Like so many others of her era, she eventually was pulled into the Civil War. She volunteered to help the Union and became a nurse. She began her nursing career by volunteering at the military hospitals in Quincy. In 1862, she was sent by Dorthea Dix to Helena Ark. By the end of the war, Louise had worked at many military and field hospitals including those in New Orleans and Jefferson Barracks in St. Louis. Dr. L.P. Brockett, an army doctor who worked with Louise, described her as having “real devotion to the welfare of the soldiers of the Union” and that in “serving the causes of patriotism and humanity, she had few equals.”

When the war ended in 1865, Louise’s efforts to help others did not. After the war she was involved in helping refugees and the widows of soldiers who had died during thewar. She found time in 1879 to publish a bookentitled “A New Method for the Study of English Literature.” She envisioned this book as a guide for the study of some of the greatest works written in the English language. She also wrote a well-received and detailed biography of her father, Charles Augustus. In it, she describes her father as “benevolent and generous,” as well as “exacting in his own rights, and carefully recognizing those of others.” Much of the same could be said about Louise.

If that was not enough, Louise, through her numerous donations to charitable causes, corresponded with such notable figures of the late nineteenth century as Jane Addams, the founder of Hull House in Chicago, and Dr. Thomas John Barnardo, the founder of Dr. Barnardo’s Homes for Destitute Children in London, England. Louise’s generosity knew no territorial bounds.

Given Louise’s background, determination, and energy, it’s fair to say that the businessmen on the northeast corner of 12th and State did not stand a chance of getting that alley. She was very well-known in the Quincy community by 1906. When she brought something to the attention of the citizens of Quincy, people listened.

Numerous discussions and negotiations took place between October of 1906 and February 1907 when the Historical Society finally acquired the mansion. There was even a discussion by Louise and other board members about the possibility of moving it a few feet to build the alley. It was finally agreed that the mansion would be sold by the Lambrechts for $1,700, with $200 down and a further payment of $650 by Jan. 1, 1907. The remaining balance was to be paid within three years. The sale was finalized on Feb. 27, 1907, with the mansion remaining where it was.

Louise did not act alone to save the John Wood Mansion, one of the first and finest examples of historical preservation in Illinois. It was through the efforts of many Historical Society members including Daniel Wood, the late governor’s son, and the generous financial donations of the citizens of Quincy that the John Wood Mansion was ultimately saved. At the time, the Historical Society tried to purchase the mansion, the Society’s treasury had only $150 on hand. It was the citizens of Quincy who helped make up that difference.

Louise died at her home at 327 Elm on Feb. 4, 1918. She lived a full and rich life and serves as an example to this day of the difference one person can make in the lives of others.[1]

Sources

  1. Louise Maertz: Lesson in how to make a difference, By Amy Kaiser 05 Aug, 2012




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Louise Maertz
Louise Maertz



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