He came to America in 1848, landing in New York on the 6th day of August. He remained there for only a short time when he went west to Chicago, and from there to Dixon. The journey from Chicago to Dixon was taken in a stage coach. On the banks of Rock River, not far fom Dixon, be began farming and continued there until 1852, when he moved to Milledgeville where he has since resided. In partnership with his brother, Herman, he bought a mill at Milledgeville which they operated in connection with farming. He was a prosperous man and by skill and industry succeeded in acquiring quite a property and was considered one of the substantial business men of the county. Six years ago he gave up active business and has since enjoyed a well earned leisure at his beautiful home, near town, in the midst of his family surrounded by such comforts and blessings as his taste suggested and his means afforded. Here it was a great pleasure to him to welcome his friends and have them share his ample hospitality.
He was married to his now sorely bereft widow, Catherine Plock, February 3, 1864, with whom he shared the joys and sorrows of thirty-six years, they having but just past the thirty sixth anniversary of their wedding day. Seven children were born to them, three of whom, Lena and Willie died in infancy, and Mrs. Anna Barthel Healey, wbo died in Boulder, Colo. November 30, 1894. Of the four surviving children, Mrs. Cassie Geldenfacher lives on the old homestead, Dorothy, Clara and Gertrude live at bome.
The sickness which terminated his life was dropsy and jaundice, the first symptoms appearing on the 3rd of February, 1899. He had been under the doctor's care since October last. In his long, and owing to the disease, depressing sickness, he was ever a most patient sufferer and was greatly appreciative of the constant care that loving hearts and ready hands were so glad to give. Be made request that all who had ministered to him in any way should have his special thanks. In early life he joined the Lutheran church in his native land. He was a firm believer in the word of God with which he was quite familiar, gave him comfort and support to his last days. He looked hopefully ioto tbe future and frequently spoke of "going home". He was a man of thought and meditation, and was an educated man, having had a classical education in his native land. He was a kind affectionate husband, a fond indulgent father, thoughtful and carelul regarding the best interests of his f'amily, ever ready to provide every essential to their happiness and well being. The community has lost a worthy citizen, a man of integrity and bonor, whose influence was always on tbe side of virtue and right. He was one of the pioneers of this western world wbo helped to lay the foundation of our present progress and civilization and to whom this generation owes more than it knows.
The funeral was beld in the M. E. church at 2 p. m., Wednesday, February 14th, 1900, Rev. W. H, Fouke officiated, assisted by Rev, Davis of. tbe M. E, church, and otber ministers. His remains were laid in the Bethel cemetery beside his brother, Herman, and his daughter, Mrs. Healey, to await tbe resurrection morning.
From Illinois Genealogy Trails website
He came to America in 1848, landing in New York on the 6th day of August. He remained there for only a short time when he went west to Chicago, and from there to Dixon. The journey from Chicago to Dixon was taken in a stage coach. On the banks of Rock River, not far fom Dixon, be began farming and continued there until 1852, when he moved to Milledgeville where he has since resided. In partnership with his brother, Herman, he bought a mill at Milledgeville which they operated in connection with farming. He was a prosperous man and by skill and industry succeeded in acquiring quite a property and was considered one of the substantial business men of the county. Six years ago he gave up active business and has since enjoyed a well earned leisure at his beautiful home, near town, in the midst of his family surrounded by such comforts and blessings as his taste suggested and his means afforded. Here it was a great pleasure to him to welcome his friends and have them share his ample hospitality.
He was married to his now sorely bereft widow, Catherine Plock, February 3, 1864, with whom he shared the joys and sorrows of thirty-six years, they having but just past the thirty sixth anniversary of their wedding day. Seven children were born to them, three of whom, Lena and Willie died in infancy, and Mrs. Anna Barthel Healey, wbo died in Boulder, Colo. November 30, 1894. Of the four surviving children, Mrs. Cassie Geldenfacher lives on the old homestead, Dorothy, Clara and Gertrude live at bome.
The sickness which terminated his life was dropsy and jaundice, the first symptoms appearing on the 3rd of February, 1899. He had been under the doctor's care since October last. In his long, and owing to the disease, depressing sickness, he was ever a most patient sufferer and was greatly appreciative of the constant care that loving hearts and ready hands were so glad to give. Be made request that all who had ministered to him in any way should have his special thanks. In early life he joined the Lutheran church in his native land. He was a firm believer in the word of God with which he was quite familiar, gave him comfort and support to his last days. He looked hopefully ioto tbe future and frequently spoke of "going home". He was a man of thought and meditation, and was an educated man, having had a classical education in his native land. He was a kind affectionate husband, a fond indulgent father, thoughtful and carelul regarding the best interests of his f'amily, ever ready to provide every essential to their happiness and well being. The community has lost a worthy citizen, a man of integrity and bonor, whose influence was always on tbe side of virtue and right. He was one of the pioneers of this western world wbo helped to lay the foundation of our present progress and civilization and to whom this generation owes more than it knows.
The funeral was beld in the M. E. church at 2 p. m., Wednesday, February 14th, 1900, Rev. W. H, Fouke officiated, assisted by Rev, Davis of. tbe M. E, church, and otber ministers. His remains were laid in the Bethel cemetery beside his brother, Herman, and his daughter, Mrs. Healey, to await tbe resurrection morning.
From Illinois Genealogy Trails website
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