Logan County, Illinois - West Lincoln Township, 1886

West Lincoln Township

The township of West Lincoln is situated in the west central part of Logan County, and contains two sections more than a congressional township. It is bounded on the north by Orvil Township, east by East Lincoln Township, south by Broadwell Township and west by Sheridan Township. It is drained by Sugar Creek on the north, and the Kickapoo and the Salt on the south. The Champaign & Havana line crosses the to-nnship in an east and west direction. Half of the city of Lincoln is in the southeast comer of the township.

1867 - Supervisor, ' John M. Garner; Clerk, William A. K. Cowdrey ; Assessor, M. L. Higgins; Collector, Timothy H. Beason; Highway Commissioners, Henry Roach, Hiram Pierce and James M. Larison; Justice, Henry Sturgis; Constables, George Stevens and Thomas Bateman.

1S70 - Supervisor, 0. C. Burton; Clerk, William A. Coons; Assessor, William S. Sanders", Collector, Levi Rosenthal; Highway Commissioner, Frank Rimerman; Justices, J. L. Ashley and B. R. Hathaway; Constables, Richard Bowman and Winfield Larison.

1873 - Supervisor, Eobert Scarth; Clerk, W. A. Coons; Assessor, William A. Sanders; Collector, Isaac Acken; Highway Commissioner, Bernard Ligg.

Statistics Political

West Lincoln has given steadily increasing majorities for the Democratic party ever since its organization, and now there are about two Democrats to one Republican. Following is the vote for President:

Bev. John Altio, a son of the pioneers Abraham and Elizabeth Altic, has been a resident of Logan County since four years of age. His parents were natives of Pennsylvania and were there reared and married, and soon after moved to Kentucky and came thence to Illinois, in 1829, locating on Sugar Creek, where the father built a small log house and lived one winter. They then moved to the farm now owned by Benjamin Ligg, buying the place of the pioneer, McClure. Their log house with its fireplace, eight feet wide, though small and of humble pretentions, was for some time a stopping place for the settlers going to and from the land office at Springfield. Every roof covered a hospitable family and none were more so than the Altic family. The father brought stock to the new country, but every animal died in one season of milk sickness. At the same time every one save one of a family of ten were sick with fever and ague, and no medical help could be obtained. The charms of the new country soon were lost to the pioneers, but sickness and loss of stock had so reduced their finances that they were obliged to remain. In 1835 they moved to section 10, "West Lincoln Township, where he made a farm of 120 acres, and also bought 100 acres of timber land, and there he lived till his death in 1844, aged fifty-six years. His widow lived till 1882, and died at the home of her son Abraham, at the age of ninety-four years. Oftheir twelve children but three are living - Abraham, John, and Elizabeth, widow of David Eveland. John Altic was born in Muhlenberg County, Kentucky, June 18, 1825. Although so young when he accompanied his parents to Illinois his recollections of the hardships and privations of pioneer life are very vivid. Their brightest dreams of the future of Logan County equaled the realization of its present prosperity. He remained with his mother till of age, having a short time before married Nancy Jane, daughter of Peter and Lucinda Randolph. Mr. Altic commenced married life with no means, and for several years worked for others on rented land, and when able bought eighty acres of land on section 14, where he lived one year, when he went to Missouri, but not liking the country returned to Logan County and bought a farm of eighty acres on section 12, West Lincoln Township, where he still lives. He also owns ten acres of timber land. He and his family are members of the Methodist Protestant church. In 1860 he was licensed to preach, and in 1874 was ordained a minister of that denomination, and now has charge of the church in the Fourth Ward of Lincoln. In politics he has been a Republican since the organization of that party. Mr. and Mrs. Altic have six children - Mrs. Martha Ann Eveland, Mrs. MaryE. Sample, Mrs. Amanda J. Conch, Samuel M., Ida F. and James R.

George Awe was born in Mecklenburg, Germany, June 10, 1856. When he was eighteen months old his father, Fred Awe, died. In November, 1857, his mother, Mary (Becker) Awe, came with six of her children to the United States, and settled in Logan County, Illinois. The children who accompanied their mother were - John, of East Lincoln Township; Frederika, wife of August Berger; Lena, wife of Louis Yorgo; Hannah, widow of John Brooker; Christopher and George. Two daughters, Sophie, now wife of John Schrader, and Dora, wife of John Ahrens, came before the mother, and a son, Fred, came in 1884. The mother died in February, 1880. George Awe married Rosa Wilmert, April 20, 1876, and now has charge of her mother's farm. They have four children - Mary, Louisa, Emma and Katie.

Lewis K. Beaver was born in Ross County, Ohio, October 10, of 184:0, a son of Michael and Sarah (Kirkendall) Beaver, natives Virginia and Ohio respectively. Michael Beaver was quite young when he came to Ohio with his parents, and there he was reared and married, to Sarah Kirkendall. Of the nine children born to them seven grew to maturity - James, a resident of this county; Mary, married Mahlon Anderson, and both died in Fulton County, Illinois; Michael, a prominent farmer of Broadwell Township; Maria, wife of William Fowler; of Nebraska; Sarah, wife of Joseph Ewing, of Lincoln ; Amo3, living in Iowa; Lewis, our subject, and William, living in East Lincoln. While visiting her children in Logan County, in 1860, the mother died at the residence of her son James. The father died at his old home in Ross County, Ohio, in June, 1874. Lewis K. Beaver was united in marriage in Ross County, Ohio, February 15, 1865, to Lizzie Cook, she being a native of that county,born in June, 1847. Mr. and Mrs. Beaver have four children - Owen, Ida, George and Louie. After his marriage Mr. Beaver worked his father's farm till the spring of 1875. He then came to West Lincoln Township, Logan County, Illinois, and a. year later bought a fine farm. He now has 127 acres of land under a high state of cultivation, located on sections 34 and 27. His fine brick residence, erected in 1883, is on section

August Berger, one of the representative farmers of West Lincoln Township, was born in Germany, September 17, 1834, a son of Ernst and Molly Berger. They had a family of six children, all of whom, save the eldest son, accompanied them to the United States in November, 1856. They landed in New York City and proceeded to Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The father was a farmer in the old country and the family were reared to that occupation. While living in Milwaukee the family worked at various occupations, remaining there till February, 1859, when August and Frederick came to Logan County, Illinois, and worked on farms in Sheridan Township about eighteen months, Tvhen they rented land of Jacob Gehlbach, in West Lincoln Township, and sent for their parents and the rest of the family. In 1865 August Berger bought 100 acres of what is his present home, on section 20, to which he has since added till he now has a fine farm of 180 acres under good cultivation, with comfortable and commodious building improvements. This property he has accumulated by years of hard work and frugality. His parents made their home with him from the date of their coming to Logan County. His mother is still a member of the family and is seventy-eight years of age. His father died in September, 1869, aged sixty-five years. Their children are - Charles, in the old country; Frederick, of Sheridan Township; August and Henry, in this township; Sophie (deceased), of August Heneke; Mary, wife of Jacob Retter, of Spring field, Illinois. August Berger was married in 1867, to Frederika Awe, a native of Germany. Of the ten children born to them but four are living - MoUie, Emma, August and Dora. Frederick, Louis, Ernst, Annie and Caroline (twins), and Frederika are deceased. Mr. Berger and his family are members of Zion's Lutheran Church. In politics Mr. Berger is a Democrat, voting with his party in national elections but in local elections giving his suffrage to the men he considers best qualified to fill the positions.

Henry Berger, one of the representative citizens of West Lincoln Township, was born in Germany, Februarj' 15, 1841. He was the fourth of a family of six children, of Ernst and MoUie Berger, with whom he came to America in November, 1856, first settling in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He came with his parents to West Lincoln Township, Logan County, in February, 1859, and worked on a farm for Lewis Craig for four years, after which he worked for Alexander Fassett almost six years. He was reared a farmer and has always followed agricultural pursuits, and is now one of the substantial farmers of this township. He was united in marriage March 12, 1865, to Louisa Droliscb, a native of Germany, born January 29, 1847, coming to the United States in 1856 with her father, Gotthelff Drolisch, who now resides in Lincoln. Mr. and Mrs. Berger have had eleven children - Mary, Henry, Frederick, Louis, John, Annie and William, and four who died in infancy. The family are members of Zion's Lutheran Church, at Lincoln. After his marriage Mr. Berger followed farming on rented land for live years. In 1870 he bought eighty acres on section 9, West Lincoln Township, and made his home there till 1874. Pie then sold his land, and bought a fine farm of 160 acres from Morgan Barngrover, on section 16, this township, where he has a comfortable home. He also owns eighty-five acres of land on section 17. In his political views Mr. Berger affiliates with the Democratic party. He is a member of Lincoln Lodge, ISTo. 210, A. F. & A. M.

Gottleib Broehl is a native of Germany, born October 2, 1826, the third child of John and Augusta Broehl. His father was a laboring man, and he in his youth worked at any employment offered. In 1850, full of an adventurous spirit, he started for America. After coming to this country he spent almost three years in Texas, on the plains as a cow boy. This life had many charms for him. The rough rugged life and free air suited him better than the restraints of the old life in Germany. He came to Tazewell County, Illinois, in 1852, and in the fall of the next year his father, his brother Michael, and his two sisters, Annie and Sophie, came from Germany, and joined him in that county, his father dying there the same year. Of the children, Michael is now a resident of this county, Annie is deceased, and Sophie lives in Minnesota. Gottleib Broehl was married in 1850, a short time before leaving Germany, to Annie Meushke. They became residents of Logan County, Illinois, in 1854, making their home at Atlanta. Mrs. Broehl died in Chester Township in 1863, leaving five children - Mrs. Pauline SchoU; Mrs.Amelia Dugingar; Louis, living in East Lincoln Township; Julius, of Christian County, and Charles, of Nebraska. For his second wife Mr. Broehl married Meta Engelken, a native of Germany. To this union have been born three sons - Herman, John M. and George, all living at home. Mr. Broehl came to West Lincoln Township in 1866 and bought 160 acres of land, which he converted into a fine farm, residing on it till 1880, when he sold it and moved to East Lincoln. He resided in East Lincoln till 1882, when he bought his present home on section 2, West Lincoln Township. His farm contains 160 acres of land, and is one of the best in this part of Logan County, and his residence and farm buildings are in good condition. In his youth Mr. Broehl served four years in the German army. In politics he is a radical Kepublican. He is an active member of Mozart Lodge, No. 145, 1. O. O. F., of Lincoln.

William H. Grain, one of ths representative citizens of West Lincoln Township, resides on section 35, his fine farm, on which he settled in 1867, containing 160 acres. He is a native of Ohio, born in Warren County, June 24, 1833, the eldest of three and the only surviving child of Joseph and Mary (Getters) Grain, his parents being natives of Ohio and Maryland respectively. When be was two years old his parents removed to Greene County, Ohio, and there he was reared. His father was a farmer by occupation. He died in 1839, aged thirty-four years. His mother is at present living in Bellbrook, Greene County, Ohio. William H. Grain came to Logan County, Illinois, in 1855, and first located in Sheridan Township. While living there he was married February 6, 1862, to Amanda, daughter of George Stevens, who was formerly of Greene County, Ohio, coming to Logan County in 1851 and locating on the farm which is now owned and occupied by Mr. Grain. Mr. Stevens is yet living, and is making his home with onr subject, his wife, Nancy Stevens, dying in 1866. Mr. and Mrs. Grain have six children - Caroline, Kate, Annie, Minnie, Roxy and William A. Mr. Grain bought his farm in Sheridan Township in 1859, which he improved, living there till he settled in his present home in 1867. In politics Mr. Grain affiliates with the Democratic party. He has served his township two terms as supervisor, and is at present serving his second term as commissioner, and has filled other ofiices of trust in the township. He has always taken an active interest in educational matters, and is at present serving as school director. He is a member of Logan Lodge, No. 480, A. F. &A. M.

Jacoh Flick, son of Henry and Martha Lena Flick, was born in Germany, March 23, 1839. In September, 1850, his parents, with their family, consisting of their son John, their daughter Catherine with her husband, Michael Kief, and our subject, immigrated to

America, landing at New Orleans, December 25. They reached St. Louis, January 1, 1851, and from there went to Bath, Mason County. Illinois, where the father bought eighty acres of land from tiie Government and there made a home. His wife died soon after settling in Mason County. Tiiree years later he sold his land and moved to Tazewell County, where his son John bought a farm, fle lived with John and came with him to Logan County in 1857, living with him till his death in 1879. Michael Kief came to this county and bought land in Broadwell Township in the spring of 1856, Jacob Flick, our subject, coming with him. After coming to this county Jacob Flick worked by the month, and later rented land until his marriage, which occurred October 20, 1862, to Sophie Eummel, a native of Germany. She died in 1865, leaving two children - Catherine, wife of George F. .Weltzel, and John, living with his father. For his second wife Mr. Flick married, in 1863, Barbara Enbel, who was also born in Germany, and to this union have been born eight children, four living - Margaret, Annie, Frank and Emma. Two sous and two daughters died in infancy. The family are members of St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church, at Lincoln. Mr. Flick has his home on section 14, his first puj-chase in 1863 containing eighty acres. To this he has since added eighty acres, and now has a wellcultivated farm of 160 acres. Mr. Flick commenced life with no capital but a pair of willing hands, and the comfortable home which he now owns has been the result of a life of industry and frugality. In politics he cast his first presidential vote for Stephen A. Douglas, but has since voted the Republican ticket.

John Flick, one of the substantial farmers of West Lincoln Township, is a native of Germany, born in Baden, Prussian Empire, April 2, 1829. In the revolutionary era of 1849 he was serving under conscription in the German army, and June 22 of that year he was fighting on the battle-field. His parents as well as himself being desirous to come to America, they left their native country in the winter of 1850, landing at New Orleans, December 25. They reached St. Louis, December 31, and from there went to Mason County, Illinois, where the mother, Magdelena (Grinsfelder) Flick, died nine days later. In the fall of 1854 tlie family moved to Fekin, Illinois. John Flick was married May 18, 1851, to Catherine Kief, a native of the same province as her husband, born February 22, 1829. They have seven children living - Philip, married and living near Lawndale; Margaret, wife of Joseph Lucas, of McLean County; Annie Danker, born September 15, 1869, an orphan child, was adopted into the family in infancy; Michael, married and living in this township; Lizzie, wife of Robert Dunlap, lives in Dakota; Henry, married and lives in this township; Katie and John, still at home. Annie and Matilda died within two days of each other, of scarlet fever, in April, 1867. Jacob died in 1865. The family are members of St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church, at Lincoln. In politics Mr. Flick affiliates with the Republican party. He came to West Lincoln Township in the spring of 1857, where he farmed on rented land for five years. He bought his present home in 1860, to which he moved in 1861. At that time the place was but slightly improved; now he has one of the finest homes in the township, his residence, located on section 31, and his farm, containing 228 acres. He also owns a tract of timber land on Salt Creek of fifty-four acres. His father died in April, 1878, at the home of our subject.

Robert N. Forsyth, residing on section 24, West Lincoln Township, was born in Schoharie County, New York, September 14, 1835, a son of Robert and Hannah Forsyth, his father a native of Connecticut and his mother born in New York State. His parents came to Logan County, Illinois, in Decfember, 1856, making their home in Lincoln. The father was a carpenter and joiner by trade, and Robert N. was reared to that avocation, and for several years father and son followed that pursuit in Lincoln, the city showing several fine buildings erected by them. In 1860 they traded their city residence with Judge Campbell, i-eceiving in exchange the property that is now the home of our subject. Here the father died in 1864, his death being caused by the bite of a rabid dog, received about a month previous. He spent a life of great usefulness, and his death caused universal regret among a wide circle of friends and acquaintances. His widow survived him about one year. Of their children, Charles is a resident of Lincoln; Lucy, wife of A. Mayfield, lives in Lincoln ; Rebecca, married J. H. Beidler, of Mount Pulaski; Edward L. lives in Kansas; Newton, in Mason City, Illinois. Eunice, wife of William A. Engle, lives in Kansas, and Robert N., whose name heads this sketch. Two daughters, Mrs. Mary E. Brewster and Mrs. Emeline Small, died in this county. Robert N. Forsyth was married in 1868 to Anna Potter, who was born in Bond County, Illinois, June 3, 1848. Her father died when she was a child. Her mother is still living. Mr. and Mrs. Forsyth have two children - Frederick and Lena.

Mr. Forsyth is now engaged in farming, his home farm containing 105 acres of well-cultivated land, and his buildings are among the best in the township. He takes an active interest in all the public enterprises of the county, and is one of the principal workers in the Agricultural Society's annual fairs.

Jacob Oehlbach, one of the prosperous farmers of "West Lincoln Township, was born in Beibram, Germany, April 18, 1823, a son of Philip and Mary (Reiter) Gehlbach. When he was fourteen years old his father died, and in 1846 he came to America, landing at New Orleans, October 20, and, in 1852 his mother and the rest of the family followed him. Our subject commenced lite a poor boy, having but $7 when he landed in America. The following year he came to Illinois. He has met with excellent success in his farming operations, and is the owner of a large amount of real estate in Logan County. His home farm, which contains 541 acres of land under a high state of cultivation, is located on section 31, and is one of the finest in the township. He also owns 404 in East Lincoln Township, 221 acres in Orvil Township, 200 acres in Mt. Pulaski Township, 458 acres in Chester Town8hip,134 acres in Broadwell Township, and thirty-five acres in Corwin Township, all his land being under cultivation except thirty-five acres of timber land. He has also deeded to his children 832 acres. Mr. Gehlbach was married in Mason County in 1850 to Eebecca Rimerman, a native of Germany, and in 1859 he moved with his family to West Lincoln Township. His wife died February 28, 1866, leaving six children - Mary, now deceased; Hannah, Jacob, Rebecca, Minnie, Nettie. June 21, 1866, Mr. GeJilbach was again married, to Lucy Eberle, a native of Germany, coming to America when nine years of age. To this union have been born seven children - Philip, Katie, Willie, Frederic, Lucy, Lena and Charlie. The family attend St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church at Lincoln. Mrs. Gehlbach, mother of our subject, came to Illinois with her four sons and one daughter. She died at Lincoln in 1883. Mr. Gehlbach is much respected in the township for his many manly qualities. Many a poor immigrant coming to this county has found in him a friend, and has been furnished by him with good employment or lands to work on shares.

William E. Jones was born in Wayne County, Indiana, April 13, 1845, his parents, James W. and Nancy Jones, being natives of Ohio and North Carolina respectively. They were married in Ohio and soon after settled in Indiana, where ten children were born to tliem, nine still living - Melvina, living in Corwin Township, this county; Mrs. Sarah J. Huddleston, living iti Wayne County, Indiana; Mrs. Mary A. Morris, of Corwin Township; Richard W. ,of Corwin Township; "William E., ours^ibject; James R., of Lincoln; Henry, of Corwin Township; John L., of Sheridan Township, this county; and George, of Corwin Township. Eveline, the second child, died in infancy. In 1856 the parents moved with thuir family to Mason County, Illinois. October 9, 1857, the father went to mill, a distance of twenty miles from his home, and being obliged to remain over night he slept in the mill. During the night tlie upper story of the mill fell iu and he was killed, and his remains conveyed home the next day. The spring following this sad event the widow and her children settled in West Lincoln Township, Logan County, on section 6, where Mrs. Jones spent the rest of her life. She died July 24, 1873, in her sixty-ninth year. "William E. Jones, whose name heads this sketch, commenced life for himself on a farm at the age of eighteen years. December 25, 1865, he was married to Amanda C. Lucas, born January 31, 1850, in Pike County, Illinois. When she was six weeks old her parents, P. P. and Amanda Lucas, settled on section 6, West Lincoln Township, this county, where she hiis always lived with the exception of eight years after her marriage, spent in Sheridan Township on a farm of 180 acres, which is still owned by Mr. Jones. They are at present living on the home farm in "West Lincoln Townsiiip, which contains 199 acres. Mrs. Lucas, mother of Mrs. Jones, died August 9, 1885, aged seventyeight years. Mr. and Mrs. Jones have live children living - Wiley, Elizabeth, James, Peter and Paul. Their eldest child, Charles W., died June 25, 1872, aged three years. Mr. Jones and his wife are members of the Methodist church. In politics he affiliates with the Republican party. He is a member of New Holland Lodge, No. 780, A. F. & A. M., and also belongs to the Odd Fellows order.

Herman H. Kiest, son of John Henry Kiest and Mary A. (Meyers) Kiest, was born in Hanover, now a part of the German Empire, November 22, 1835. His parents with their family of seven children came to America in 1850, landing at New Orleans, and from there proceeded to Mason County, Illinois. Our subject remained with his parents till twenty-one years old, although for three years previous he had worked by the month for others. After leaving home he farmed on rented land in Havanna Township.

In March, 1861, he came to Logan County, buying eighty acres of land of Jacob Gehlbach, in West Lincoln Township. Four years later he sold his farm and bought his present home on section 14, where he owns a tine farm of 160 acres, and is surrounded by all the comforts of life. He has always been an industrious, hard-working man, and the property he owns has been acquired by his own efforts. In June, 1869, Mr. Kiest was married to Mary Becker, a native of Mason County, daughter of Nicolas Becker, one of West Lincoln's wealthiest citizens. Mr. and Mrs. Kiest have six children - Herman, Willie, Katie, Frank, Louis and George. The family are members of St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church of Lincoln. In politics Mr. Kiest is an ardent Republican.

John Henry Kiest, Jr., one of the prominent farmers of West Lincoln Township, has lived on section 27 since March 6, 1865. He was born in Hanover, Germany, February 13, 1833, a son of John Henry and Mary A. (Meyers) Kiest. In 1850 his parents with a family of seven children came to the United States, landing at New Orleans. From there came to Illinois and located in Mason County, where they bought a partially improved farm, on which the father died in June, 1865, and where the mother still hves. Her children were - Mary, widow of Herman Taggerty, of Mason County; John Henry, our subject; Herman H., of Logan County; Annie (deceased), wife of Fred Fette; John G., of Menard County, and Deidrich, on the homestead with his mother. John H. Kiest, Jr., was married in 1860 to Caroline Fette, a native of Hanover, born May 6, 1844. Her parents, Henry and Sophie Fette, came to the United States when she was a child and settled in Missouri, where her father died. The family afterward moved to Mason County, Illinois, and there the mother died. In 1859 Mr. Kiest bought a farm in the western part of this township, and there he commenced married life, living there till March, 1865. His present home contains 212 acres of valuable land, and he also owns a fine farm of 221 acres on section 4, East Lincoln Township. Mr. Kiest has always been a public-spirited man, always participating in anything of benefit to his township or county. In politics he is a Democrat. He and his family are members of the St. John's Evangelical Church. He has a family of four children - Frank W., a farmer of this township; Oscar M., Matilda and Harry at home. Fonr children are deceased. Herman died aged two years ; John, aged three years; Sophie, in infancy, and Louis, aged eighteen months.

seph Krueger. His parents died in Grermany, and in that country he was reared and married. In the spring of 1854 he came to the United States, landing in New York City. From there he went to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and lived five years. In 1859 he came to Logan County, Illinois, and rented land of Jacob Gehlbach a year, and the two following years rented land in Sheridan Township. Eeturning to "West Lincoln Township he rented land of different parties till March, 1873, when he bought the farm he now owns on section 21. He has 160 acres of valuable land and his improvements have all been made by him. He was a poor man when he left Germany, but his energy and frugality have secured for him the consummation of his hopes on leaving his native country, a good home and comforts for himself and family. Mr. Krueger was married in 1852 to Caroline Weightman. Of their eight children, but two daughters, Amanda and Anna, are living. The .deceased are - an infant, which died in Germany, Charles, Katie, Mary, Caroline and Frederick. Mr. Krueger and his family are members of the Lutheran church. In politics he is a Democrat. He has given his daughters good educational advantages, and counts nothing lost that in any way contributes to their happiness or benefit.

William Krusemarh was born in Germany, September 30, 1838, a son of Karl and Sophie Krnsemark. His father was a poor man and he was early obliged to work for his own maintenance. His mother died in Germany in 1861, and in 1865 his father and sister Mary accompanied him to the United States. His sister died soon after reaching Lincoln, and his father still makes his house his home. Mr. Krusemark reached New York City, December 31, 1865, and from there proceeded to Logan County, Illinois. He lived a year in Lincoln and then rented land in West Lincoln Township, owned by Adolph Rimerman, three years. He then rented land of William Scully, in Sheridan Township, eight years. In 1880 he bought the farm where he now lives, on section 16, West Lincoln Township, of Joseph Jackson. It contains 160 acres of valuable land, which he has greatly improved by tilling, and has also added fine building improvements. Mr. Krusemark was married in 1861 to Frederika Lohrenz, who was born February 2, 1832. They have had five children, two born in Germany and three in this country - John lives with his parents; Sophie is the wife of John Langenbahn; Charles, died aged nine years, Caroline, died aged ten months, and Adolphine is at home. Mr. Krusemark and his family are members of the Lutheran church. He came to this country a poor young man but by industry and frugality has been successful, and is now one of the prominent citizens of the county.

Jacob Langenbahn, son of John Peter Langenbahn, was born in Prussia, Germany, December 21, 1827. "When he was three months old his mother died, and at the age of fifteen years he was thrown on his own resources by the death of his father. At the age of twenty he was apprenticed to learn the cooper's trade, at which he served two and a half years, paying $25. April 11, 1852, he embarked at Havre for New York, reaching the latter city May 6. From there he went to Cincinnati, where he worked one month as a gardener. July 4 found him in Springtield, Illinois, from which place he walked to Taylorville, where he was employed in a hotel one year. He then returned to Springfield, and a short time later, August 22, 1853, he came to Lincoln, Logan County, and found employment on the Chicago & Alton Sailroad, then being constructed. After the completion of the railroad he was employed as section hand at Springfield. One evening in the summer of 1854, while employed by the railroad company, he and Philip Klinck wentover the road from Lincoln to Lawndale with a hand car to see that no cattle were on the track. "When within a mile of the section-house, on their return, they met the evening passenger, which was running with no headlight, and the night being dark theycsuld not see it at any great distance, Mr. Langenbahn discovering it by seeing the light of the fire in the engine. They had barely time to jump, one from one side of the car and the other from the other, when the engine struck and completely demolished the car. The whistle then sounded for brakes, and they came to look for them, expecting to find only mangled corpses. They had been in the habit of lying down to see how far the train was from them, but this accident taught them that it was a dangerous experiment. January 22, 1854, he was married to Sophie Felke, who was born August 24, 1832, in Prussia, Germany, coming to this country in 1853. Seven children have been born to them - Peter, died in infancy; Elizabeth, died aged seven years; John Peter, married and living in this township; Charles, married, works his father's farm; Christian, died aged six years; Dora, died aged fourteen months, and Mary, at home with her parents. About nine months after his marriage Mr. Langenbahn commenced farming on rented land in East Lincoln Township, remaining there till 1865, when he bought land on section 20, this township, where he has since made his home, adding to his first purchase from time to time till he now has 210 acres of choice land, all under a high state of cultivation, with a good, comfortable residence and farm buildings. Mr. Langenbahn is a Democrat in politics. He is a member of the Catholic, and his wife of the Lutheran church.

Kohus Leesman, Jr., was born in Germany, January 16, 1837, the' second of eight children of Kobus and Moder Leesman. Early in the year of 1857 ;the parents with their children, five sons and two daughters, came to the United States and lived two years in Menard County, Illinois. They then moved to Logan County, where they lived four years on the Moses Rothschild farm. The mother died in 1878, and the father in 1881. Of the children living, save our subject. Hey lives in McLean County; Henry, in Iowa; Mary, in Missouri; Brown, in this township, Eilet, in East Lincoln Township, and Ann, in the State of Missouri. Kobus Leesman, Jr., lived with his parents till his marriage, Christmas day, 1858, to Renie Siefkes, also a native of Germany. The first home owned by Mr. Leesman was a farm of eighty acres on section 17, where he lived four years. In March, 1869, he bought his present farm of 240 acres on section 9. He also owns 160 acres of improved land in Orvil Township. His residence is on elevated ground, and has a tine view of the surrounding country. His building improvements are all substantial and in good repair. He is one of the active, progressive citizens of the township, and takes an interest in all that tends to the improvement of his county. JHe has been identified in politics with the Republican party. In the spring of 1878 Mr. Leesman's wife died, leaving eight children - Mrs. Ida Jackson, of this township; Henry and Hey, on their father's farm in Orvil Township; John, Brown, Christine, Mino and Rudolph. Mr. Leesman's present wii^ was Amelia Backer, daughter of Nicholas Backer. To them have been born four children - Louis, Kate and Minnie (twins), and Amelia. Mr. Leesman and his family are attendants at the Zion's Lutheran Church.

Brown Liesman, son of Kobus and Moder (Miller) Liesman, was born in Germany, June 17, 1845.- In 1856 he came with his parents to Illinois, they locating in Menard County, where they lived till 1859. They then settled in West Lincoln Township, remaining there till their death. Our subject lived at home till twenty-one years of age. He then went to Menard County, where he worked by the month for three years. He then farmed rented land in Ford County for six years. In 1878, he bought 160 acresof partially improved land in Gibson Township, Ford County, where lie lived till 1883, when he became a resident of this township. In the spring of 1883 he bought the Alex Fassett farm, which contains 400 acres, located on sections 3, 4, 9 and 10, the residence being on section 10. This is one of the finest farms to be found in West Lincoln Township, and is admirably adapted to stock-raising. Mr. Liesman has acquired his property by his own industry and frugality, with the assistance of a good wife. He was married March 29, 1873, to Mary Buehler, a native of Germany, born March 30, 1852, coming to America -with her parents, Daniel and Mary Buehler, they locating in West Lincoln Township when she was about two years of age. Mr. and Mrs. Buehler now reside in Laenna Township. Mr. and Mrs. Liesman have six children - Emma, Louisa, Daniel, Maud, Frank and Edward. The family are members of the Lutlieran church. In politics Mr. Liesman affiliates with the Democratic party.

Lewis McAfee was born in Harrison County, Indiana, May 30, 1831, and has been identified with Logan County since his youth. His father, Samuel McAfee, was a native of Kentucky, but was partly reared in Indiana, where he married Nancy Craig, a native of Virginia. To them were born six children - Lewis, the eldest, subject of this sketch; Elizabeth, wife of J. F. Rudolph; Jacob and William, residents of East Lincoln; Samuel, enlisted in the Thirty-eighth Illinois Infantry, and was killed at the battle of Chickamauga, and Charles Thomas, giving in Lincoln. In 1839 Samuel McAfee moved with his family to Arkansas, and two years later settled in Logan County, Illinois, on Kickapoo Creek, where the mother died January 11, 1852, aged forty-seven years. The father removed to Hopedale, Tazewell County, in 1853, where he lived till his death, which occurred April 26, 1855, at the age of forty-seven years. Lewis McAfee was married November 14, 1852, to Matilda Ann Eudolph, a native of Illinois, born August 14, 1834. They commenced housekeeping on a rented farm in West Lincoln Township, and in 1855, they went to Livingston County, Missouri, where Mr: McAfee bought a farm, residing there till 1861. He then returned to this county, and in 1865 he bought his present home on section 12, West Lincoln Township. The home farm contains seventy-seven acres of choice land, beside which he owns a small farm in East Lincoln Township, which contains forty acres of land. Mr. and Mrs. McAfee are the parents of seven children - Peter P., making his 'home with his parents; Charles D., a resident of this townsliip; Martha E., wife of Charles H. Watson; Emma Jane, wife of Thomas Hosack; Mary Ellen, Amos G. and Lewis F., living at home. The parents and most of the children are members of the Methodist Episcopal church.

Herman R. Meyer, the third of a family of seven children of Herman K. Meyer, was born in Germany, February 5, 1829. In 1848, the parents came to America with the rest of their family, the two eldest children, Henry and Jane, having come from Germany in 1845. The family landed at New Orleans, and from there went to Mason County, Illinois, where Henry joined them and died a few years later. Jane married John Dinkelman, of St. Louis. The children who came with their parents to America are as follows - Charlotte, who married William Heiderman and died in St. Louis; William, deceased; Rudolph, deceased; Augustus, living in Mason County, and our subject. The father bought land in Mason County, and lived to see it become a well-improved farm. He died about 1877, his widow surviving till the autumn of 1881. Herman R. Meyer lived with his parents till twentyone years of age, after which he engaged in farming on his own account on rented lands in Mason County. He was married in 1856 to Hannah Rimerman, born in Germany, May 8, 1834, a daughter of Frederick Rimerman. They have five children - Margaret, wife of Jacob Eberle; William, living in Logan County; Charles, Emma and Herman, living at home. In February, 1865, Mr. Meyer moved with his family to West Lincoln Township, this county, buying a farm on sections 15 and 22, his residence being on the latter section. Here Mr. Meyer was extensively engaged in farming until 1882, when in the fall of that year he moved to his present home on section 1, where he owns a finely cultivated farm of 220 acres, his residence and other farm buildings being among the best in the township. He still owns his property on sections 15 and 22, that farm containing 220 acres. In politics Mr. Meyer is a Democrat. He and his family attend St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church at Lincoln.

Charles Paulus is a native of Germany, born February 17, 1833, a son of Johannes and Catherine Paulus. His parents died in Germany - his mother in 1844 and his father in 1870. He remained in his native country till twenty-one years old, and then started out to make for himself a home, and embarked lor the United States. Landing at New Orleans, ho proceeded direct to Logan

County, Illinois, and for five or six years was employed as a farm hand. He then began farming for himself on rented land, and in addition to this engaged in threshing, owning an interest in a machine. He was a young man of push and energy, and by frugality saved enough to buy 320 acres of land. When he bought his land it was unimproved, but he brought it under good cultivation and erected lars;e and comfortable buildings, and now has one of the best farms in the township. It is located on sections 8 and 9, his residence being on section 9. Mr. Paulus was married in 1863 to Margaret Wessling, a native of Germany, born December 30, 1834, a daughter of Herman and Maria (Bodeman) Wessling. They have four children - Louis, Minnie, Henry and Nettie. Their third child, Eudolph, died aged eighteen months. Mr. Paulus and his family are members of St. John's Evangelical Churcli. In politics he is a Democrat. Mrs. Paulus came with her parents to America in 1851, landing in New Orleans, and coming thence to Illinois. They located in Mason County, where the father died three years later. The mother died in Mason County in April, 1884. Their daughter Catherine (Mrs. Wessling) lives in Mason County, and Annie (Mrs. Landau) is a resident of West Lincoln Township.

Hiram L. Pierce^ one of the prominent farmers of West Lincoln Township, was born in Cattaraugus County, New York, August 7, 1834. His parents, Hollom and Lucena (Winters) Pierce, were born and reared in the same State, and there married. In May, 1837, they came to Illinois, locating atAthens, then in Sangamon County, and there the subject of this sketch was reared on a farm. He was married in February, 1854, to Martha Hartwell, a native of Illinois, and a month later he settled in his present home on section 31, buying eighty acres of raw prairie land. His parents moved with him, living with him till their death - the father dying in 1859, aged fifty-nine years, and the mother dying at the age of fifty-one years in 1863. Mrs. Pierce died December 8, 1859, at the age of twenty years. She left three children - Samantha, married J. A. Petrie, of Menard County, Illinois, and died September 13,1884; Altheda, died in 1860, aged three years, and Hollom, died the same year, aged eight months. In August, 1861, Mr. Pierce was married to Eliza Horn, a native of Pike County, Illinois, and to this union were born four children - Hiram S., living in this township; Minnie, wife of Wayne T. Bell, of Pickaway County, Ohio, and Wiley S. and Estella, at home. Mr.

Pierce was legally divorced from his second wife. In May, 1882, lie married Mrs. Mary A. Roiiser, a native of New Jersey, and daughter of William Berkinshaw, a native of England. Her mother died when she was an infant, and her father in 1860, thus leaving her an orphan at the age of ten years. Mr. Pierce has had one son, Frank, by his present wife. In August, 1862, Mr. Pierce enlisted in Company G-, One Hundred and Sixth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, his first engagement being at Carroll's Station, near Jackson, Tennessee. He was taken prisoner with his company, was paroled and sent to Benton Barracks, St. Louis. October, 1863, he was again on duty, the regiment being from that time continuously on duty, or marching. For his faithful services Mr. Pierce was commissioned Second Lieutenant, and was mustered out as such in August, 1865. After his return to his home Mr. Pierce was elected constable, and in the fall of 1870 he was elected sheriff of 'Logan County, making one of its most efficient officers. Mr. Pierce has also served his township for seven years as supervisor. He is one of the model farmers of the county, his home farm containing 160 acres of highly cultivated land. He also works under a ten-years lease a farm of 320 acres of land in his neighborhood. In politics he is a Democrat. He is one of the leading Masons in the State of Illinois, and has had conferred upon him all the degrees of every lodge and encampment up to the thirty^second. He is also a member of the Odd Fellows order, of which he has passed all the chairs, and has represented Lincoln Lodge, No. 204, in the Grand Lodge of the State. He is a charter member of Oriental Lodge, No. 29, K. of H., of Lincoln.

Stephen Price has been a resident of Illinois since November I, 1826, his father at that date -settling at Irish Grove, then within the limits of Sangamon County. Stephen was born in Greene County, Ohio, June 10, 1820, his parents, George and Jane (Hurzey), being natives of Yirginia and Tennessee respectively. Of their family of two sons and six daughters, Stephen was the fourth child. The family settled in Tazewell County, Illinois, in 1829, where the parents lived until their death, the father dying in June, 1840, and the mother in November, 1861. While living in Tazewell County, Stephen Price was married to Rachel Martin, the date of his marriage being in November, 1844. She was born in Clinton County, Ohio, January 8, 1820, and in June. 1827, came with her parents, John and Elizabeth Martin, to Irish Grove.

Both of her parents died in Logan County. Mr. and Mrs. Price settled in Corwin Township in 1848, Mr. Price owning a farm there which he worked till 1854. In that year he settled on section 31, West Lincoln Township, where he has since made his home. Besides his home farm, wliich contains 160 acres of highly improved land, he owns eighty acres of improved and timber land in Corwin Township. Mr. Price is independent in his political views.

Frank Rimerman, deceased, was born September 22, 1844, in the Province of Brunswick, Germany, and but an infant wiien his parents immigrated to America. He was reared in Mason County, Illinois, where he remained with his parents till manhood. He was brought up on a farm, and followed agricultural pursuits through life, and met with gratifying success in his chosen avocation. He was married in this county November 10, 1864, to Fredricka Fette, born in Franklin County, Missouri, December 2, 1847, the youngest of four children of Fred Fette, a native of Germany, three of his children being also natives of that country. Mr. Fette died in Missouri when Mrs. Eimerman was about one year old. His widow afterward moved to Havana, Illinois, where she died in 1860. Their children are - Fred, engaged in business in Havana; Mrs. Caroline Kiest, living in this township; Henry died in 1859, and Mrs. Rimerman. After his marriage Mr. Rimerman made his home on section 22, West Lincoln Township, the farm containing 196 acres of well-cukivated land. Seven children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Rimerman - William, Edward, Huldah, Henry, Emma, Matilda (died aged almost three years), and Caroline, all being members of St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church at Lincoln. Mr. Rimerman was one of the active and progressive farmers of this township, and was highly respected by all who knew him, and his death, which occurred February 1, 1878, was much regretted by a large circle of friends and acquaintances. His father, Frederick Rimerman, a veteran soldier who fought at the battle of Waterloo, is now a resident of this county in his ninetieth year. He was married in Germany and all of his children, eleven in number, were born in that country, our subject being the youngest child. He came with his family to America in 1844 and first located in Mason County where he lived many years. He then came to Logan County, and is making his home with his children. His wife died in this township in May, 1876. William Eimerman was born in Brunswick, Germany, August 14, 1829. His father is a native of the same province and is one of the few survivors of the battle of "Waterloo, where he fought under General Blucher. He has almost reached the age of ninety years, and now has his home with his children in this county. He came with his wife and family of six children to America in 1844 and at once settled in Mason County where he made his home for twenty years, after which they resided on the farm|of "William Rimerman, our subject, till the mother's death in May, 1876. The children of Frederick Rimerman are - Fredericka, deceased wife of Jacob Grehlbacli; Minnie, deceased wife of Henry Kramer; William, in "West Lincoln Township; Adolph, of Sheridan Township, this county; Hannah, wife of R. Meyer, of this township, and Frank, who died in this township. William Rimerman was married in Mason County, in 1850, to Mary Deverman, a native of Germany, and of the seven children born to them four are living - Frank, a resident of this township; Anna, wife of Adolph Schroeder; Herman, married and living with his parents on the home farm, and Mary, wife of Frank Kiest. Tilda, Henry and Lizzie are deceased. The family attend St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church at Lincoln. Mr. Rimerman removed from Mason to Logan County in 1864, and bought eighty acres of land on section 29, "West Lincoln Township. This small purchase was the nucleus of one of the finest properties in Logan County. He has prospered far beyond his fondest anticipations, and to-day is the owner of 1,200 acres of well-improved land, the result of good management and frugality combined with energy. All his land, with the exception of 280 acres in Chester Township, comprises the home farm. Mr. Rimerman has always been active in the support of all enterprises that tend to the advancement of all that pertains to the public good. In national politics he generally votes the Dernocratic ticket, but in local elections he votes for the man he considers best fitted for the office.

John Werth, son of Christ and Dora "Werth, was born August 18, 1825, in Prussia, Germany. He was reared on a farm in his native couiltry, living there till 1856. He was married at the age of twenty-five years, and four of his children were born in Germany. He came to America with his family, landing at Quebec, and from there went to Niagara County, New York, where he worked as a laborer for seven years, and there two of his children were born. In March, 1863, he came to Logan County, Illinois, and located in "West Lincoln Township where he has since resided. In March, 1868, he bought 148 acres of land on section 19, liis present home. His wife died January 3, 1868, and August 30, 1869, he married Louisa Burthert, a native of Germany. Thej have two children living - Elizabeth and Mary. Three daughters and two sons died in infancy. The children of his first wife are - Wilhelmina, wife of Chris. Lorentz, of Lincoln; Fred. W., living near his father; Henry, a resident of East Lincoln; Caroline, wife of John Schroeder, of this township; William, living in Sheridan Township; John, died aged seven years. Mr. "Werth and his family are attendants of Zion's Evangelical Lutheran Church at Lincoln. In 1865 he sent for his parents to join him in this country, they making their home with their daughter, Mrs. Sovie Buse. The father died in 1868 aged sixtyeight years, the mother surviving till 1883, dying at the age of ninety years. Mr. Werth commenced life a poor man, having to borrow the money to pay his passage to this country, but through industry, frugality and good management he has been rewarded with a competence, his real estate in Logan County amounting to 505 acres, all being well improved. By liis honorable and upright dealings Mr. Werth has won the respect of all who know him. In politics he affiliates with the Democratic party, but in local elections he votes for the best man.

Johii Wigginton, a prominent agriculturist of West Lincoln Township, residing on section 6, is a native of Bourbon County, Kentucky, born August 23, 1827. His parents, Peter and Margaret Wigginton, were natives of Virginia, and when young went to Kentucky where they were afterward married. Tiiey had a family of twelve children, our subject being the seventh child. In September following his birth his parents left Kentucky for Sangamon County, Illinois, making the journey in an ox team, and settled where the village of Sherman now stands, where he was reared. His parents died there, after a residence of about thirty years. John Wigginton remained with his parents, helping to support tlieir large family till twenty years of age. He then commenced life for himself with no capital but a pair of willing hands and a stout heart. He walked to St. Louis, thence to Lake Providence, Louisiana, working in the latter place in a saw-mill for five months. He then returned to Illinois, and for about three years he worked as a farm laborer at $13.50 per month. He then farmed on rented land for two or three years when he was engaged as a sub-contractor on the Chicago & Alton Railroad, grading about four miles of that road, and later lie graded about the same distance on the

Illinois Central. He also worked for a time in McDoaough County. Mr. Wigginton is now living with his third wife. By his first wife, Susan Tipton, he had one child, who died in infancy. His second wife was Dicie Ann Fleiriing, and of the two children born to this union one son, Wesley, is living. He is married and at present residing on his father's farm. His present wife, Catherine, whom he married February 9, 1865, is a daughter of George Lucas, of Corwin Township. She is a native of Logan County, born in 1842. To this union have been born five children - John, Calvin, George (deceased), Arabelle and Elizabeth. In politics Mr. Wigginton was formerly a Douglas Democrat, but since the commencement of the late war he has voted the Republican ticket. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity. Part of his family are members of the Methodist church. No man has been more active in building up Logan County than John Wigginton. Coming to this county a poor man he has by his own efi^orts become one of the most substantial men. His home farm contains 503 acres of as good land as can be found in the township, well adapted to the raising of stock and all kinds of grain, and his residence and farm buildings are in good condition. He also owns 100 acres in Sheridan Township, and 228 acres in Corwin Township, all under cultivation. These lands are 80 near the home farm as to be practically one farm of 831 acres. Mr. Wigginton devotes much of his time to stock-raising, feeding to his stock all the grain, except wheat, that is raised on his farm. Jacob Wilmert, deceased, was born in Waldeck, Germany, June 3, 1827. In 1850 he came to the United States and located in New Jersey. He was married in that State, in Cumberland County, November 12, 1853, to Mary SchWeizer, who was born in Wurtemberg, Germany, February 10, 1837, a daughter of Lenhardt and Rosa (Webber) Schweizer. Her motlier died in Germany in 1839, and in March, 1852, she came to the United States. Her father followed her in 1854, and died in WestLincolnTownshipin June, 1874. In 1855 Mr. and Mrs. Wilmert came to Illinois and lived in Mason County eleven years, and in 1866 came to Logan County and bought the farm on section 26, West Lincoln Township, where Mrs. Wilmert now lives. Mr. Wilmert died October 5, 1884. He - was an upright, honorable citizen, industrious and energetic, and was respected by all who knew him. Although a poor man when he came to Illinois he by frugality and hard work, assisted by a most estimable wife, acquired a fine farm of 440 acres, free of incumbrance. He was a consistent member of the Lutheran church.

To Mr. and Mrs. Wilmert were born twelve children; but six are living - Henry, livinw on part of tlie estate; Rosa, wife of George Awe; Lizzie, Frank, Fred and Oliristena. Peter died aged twentytwo years; Katie, aged eighteen months; Caroline, aged two years, and Christiana in infancy. August Wilmert, a son of Mr. Wilmert by a former marriage, was left in G-erraany with his mother's family when his father came to the United States, but was sent for when six years of age. He now lives in East Lincoln Township.