Andrew J. Myers, born on March 11, 1842, in Palmyra Township, belonged to a pioneering family of German descent. His father, William Myers, and mother, Phoebe Hull, established their farm in Lee County, overcoming early hardships. Andrew married Julia E. Kentner on December 24, 1864, and they had three daughters. He spent his entire life on the family farm, which he acquired in 1872. Known for his integrity, he earned the trust of the community and supported Democratic values, while also being an engaged and educated individual.
Andrew J. Myers, who is engaged in farming and stock-raising on section 27, Palmyra Township, has the honor of being one of the native-born citizens of the county. He first opened his eyes to the light of day on the farm which is still his home, March 11, 1842, being a son of William Myers, an honored pioneer of this community.
The family is of German origin and was established in America by John Myers, the grandfather of our subject, who was born in the Fatherland and when a young man crossed the briny deep to America. In Ohio, he married and subsequently resided in the Keystone State until he came with his family to Illinois. Both he and his wife died at a ripe old age in Marshall County, this State.
William Myers, the father of our subject, was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where his childhood was passed. When a young man he came to the West and in Polo, Ogle County, led to the marriage altar Miss Phoebe Hull, a native of the Empire State, and a daughter of Stephen Hull, who was born in England. Her father was married after coming to the United States and in the ’30s cast his lot with the early settlers of Ogle County, Illinois. Both he and his wife spent their last days in Polo, and died when well advanced in years.
A few months after their marriage, William Myers and his bride settled upon a new farm in Palmyra Township, Lee County, which he had purchased about a year previous. They were then in limited circumstances, but by their united efforts they won prosperity and the once wild land was made to bloom and blossom as the rose. The wife and mother died October 26, 1863, in middle life, and Mr. Myers passed away February 17, 1889, when nearly eighty years of age. He had obtained an excellent education, possessed superior intellectual ability and ever continued to be a close student. He became a Methodist minister and studied hard to fit himself for that work. His peculiar insight into the future won him the title of “the prophet.” Near his home he made a miniature garden of Eden, typical of that mentioned in the Bible, and his plaster casts of the various Bible figures were remarkable for their accuracy and attracted people for miles around who came to see the work of Mr. Myers’ genius. Respected by all who knew him, his friends were many and his enemies few indeed. In business affairs he possessed excellent judgment and was quite successful in his transactions.
Andrew Myers is the third in order of birth in a family of eight children, all of whom are now married and winning for themselves success in life. He too followed the example of his brothers and sisters and chose as a companion Julia E. Kentner, their union being celebrated in Palmyra Township, December 24, 1864. Mrs. Myers was born in Pennsylvania November 21, 1847, and was quite young when brought to Lee County by her parents, William and Susannah (Heller) Kentner. Her father, who was born September 6, 1802, died December 30, 1856; her mother, who was born September 30, 1805, was married a second time and is now living in Nebraska, at the age of eighty-five years.
Liberal educational advantages were afforded to Mrs. Myers in her maidenhood and she is a lady of culture and refinement, who presides with grace over her home. In her religious connections, she is a member of the Methodist Church. The family circle numbers three daughters. Minnie B., born December 12, 1867, was educated in the Dixon schools, and at the college in that city met Charles F. Weatherby, formerly of Indiana. They were married March 20, 1889, and are now living at Friend, Nebraska. Phoebe, born December 1, 1870, is attending college, and Harriet B., born June 8, 1876, is at home.
The entire life of Mr. Myers has been passed on the farm which he yet occupies. There he spent the days of his boyhood under the sheltering roof of his parents’ home and since he has arrived at man’s estate has engaged in the cultivation of the old farm. It has been his property since 1872 and comprises one hundred and twenty acres of improved land that yields a golden tribute to his care and cultivation. In all business affairs his dealings have been upright and honorable, and thereby he has secured the confidence of his fellow-men. In politics he is a supporter of Democratic principles and keeps himself well informed on the issues of the day.