Albers, Illinois History
Albers was established after a railroad depot on the Airline railway, which passes through present-day Albers, was created for Damiansville residents. F.H. Albers donated the land for the train depot, and the settlement, which began to develop around the depot, was named in his honor. Houses and businesses gradually began to develop along the depot, and it was not long before a school district was established in 1908. The two-room school had a capacity of 40 students, and was erected on ground that was deeded to the Rev. Bishop.
Henry Tonnies was one of the most important persons in the development of Albers. Tonnies was appointed Post Master of Albers in May of 1891. He was then appointed the ticket, freight, and express agent for the Southern Railroad Company in 1892 with a salary of 5.00 a month and commission. He also started milk shipping, and made Albers one of the main shipping sites on the road. With Anton Stroot, Tonnies started a sawmill and connected with it a mill and a hydraulic cider press. In 1905 he was elected Highway Commissioner, and developed rock roads in the District. Tonnies was also instrumental in developing St. Bernard's Catholic Church and connecting a telephone line from Albers to Damiansville and New Baden.
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