HUGO PRILL, business men of Central City, now engaged in general merchandising, claims Germany as his native land. He was there born February 24, 1854, and in that country grew to manhood, acquiring his education in its best high and private schools. For some time he served in the German army, belonging to the Magdeburg Hussaren Regiment No. 10. When a young man of twenty-five he resolved to seek a home in the New World, hoping thereby to benefit his financial condition. He bade adieu to the Fatherland, crossed the broad Atlantic and became a resident of St. Louis, Mo., where he worked at various occupations which would yield him an honest livelihood and give him a start in life.
At length Mr. Prill came to Central City, and with the capital he had acquired through industry and perseverance in former years he established a saloon, which he conducted until 1882. In that year he sold out and engaged in the hotel business.
In 1885 he erected Prill's Hotel in Centralia, which is a three-story brick building, one hundred and sixty feet long, and one of the largest structures in the city. For a number of years he there carried on the hotel business, but at length abandoned that pursuit, and in 1889 came to Central City and established the general store which he yet conducts. His brother is now carrying on the hotel.
An important event in the life of Mr. Prill occurred in 1884, when was celebrated his marriage with Miss Annie, daughter of Charles Kaiser, now of St. Louis. This worthy couple have a wide acquaintance in the community, occupy an enviable position in social circles, and are held in the highest regard by all who know them for their many excellencies of character and their sterling worth.
In public affairs Mr. Prill takes a very prominent part, doing everything in his power for the advancement of the best interests of Central City, and giving his hearty support and co-operation to all enterprises which are calculated to advance the general welfare.
In politics he is a stalwart Democrat, who warmly advocates the principles of his party, and for some time has been Chairman of the Democratic Central Committee. May 5, 1894, he was again elected Central Committeeman of Centralia Township, receiving four-fifths of the votes cast, a fact which proves his popularity with the people. On the 7th of May the Marion County Central Committee met and again unanimously elected him Chairman. He holds the office of Police Magistrate and is now the efficient and popular Postmaster. His public duties have ever been discharged with a promptness and fidelity which have won him high commendation.
Mr. Prill's business interests are also quite extensive. When a young man he became a druggist, but has not engaged in the drug business since his emigration to America. He now carries an extensive stock of general merchandise and is enjoying a large and constantly increasing trade.
Besides his business he has valuable residence and business property in St. Louis, Centralia and Central City, and unimproved land in Missouri.
Source: "Portrait and Biographical Record Clinton, Washington, Marion and Jefferson Counties, Illinois"
Chapman Publishing Co, Chicago, 1894
Pages 499 - 500
Submitted by Sandy (Whalen) Bauer