Cass County Archives – Illinois Genealogy

Biography of Henry Miller of Sterling

Henry Miller, born on November 13, 1822, in Oldenburg, Germany, was a prominent example of German-American success. Emigrating with his family to the United States in 1837, they initially settled in Cass County, Illinois. After his father’s death in 1838, Henry moved to Palmyra Township, where he and his brothers transformed raw prairie into a prosperous 270-acre farm. Henry married Fredricka A. Klostermann, also from Oldenburg, and they had nine children. Retired in Sterling, Illinois, Henry and his wife were active members of the Lutheran Church and contributed significantly to their community.

Biography of Emmet K. Atterbery

Encyclopedia of Illinois and History of Cass County vol 2 toc

For many years the Atterberys have been prominent among the agricultural families of western Illinois. Some of the most extensive and successful farming enterprises in Cass County have been carried on by its members, and one of the county’s thriving towns is known as Atterberry. Emmet K. Atterbery, one of the best-known farms in this county, was born in Menard County, Ill., July 11, 1873. His father, also a farmer, was Ashford Atterbery, who was born in Menard County; and the birthplace of the mother whose maiden name was Sarah Isabel McKee, was Ohio. At an early period, Ashford Atterbery … Read more

Biography of Gilbert Jeptha Armstrong

Among the most intelligent, enterprising, prosperous and successful of the younger farmers of Cass County, Ill., is Gilbert Jeptha Armstrong, of Chandlerville. He is, moreover, by reason of his amiable and neighborly qualities, one of the most popular and highly esteemed members of the community in which he lives. Mr. Armstrong was born December 13, 1880, in Cass County, his parents being Robert H. and Jennie B. (Plaster) Armstrong, born also in this county. The children of Robert H. and Jennie B. Armstrong were: Cora Pearl, now Mrs. John E. Rethorn, of Chandlerville; Gilbert Jeptha; Nathaniel Howard, of Chandlerville; Judson … Read more

Biography of George W. Armstrong

The part of Cass County which is included in the district of Chandlerville, finds a worthy and capable agricultural representative in the person of George W. Armstrong. His career has been similar to that of many others, who have followed varied pursuits for a number of years, but at length have returned to farming, finding in the tilling of the soil their comfort, their success and their proper field of endeavor. Mr. Armstrong is a native son of Cass County, born October 11, 1869, on his father’s homestead in township 18, range 10, near Chandlerville, Cass County, Ill., a son … Read more

Biography of Claude J. Armstrong

Claude J. Armstrong of Chandlerville, Ill., whose farm is situated in township 18, range 19, n., Cass County, Ill., is considered among the most intelligent, worthy and promising of the younger farmers of this portion of the county. Further details of his family connections are to be found in a sketch of his brother Jeptha Armstrong, which appears in this volume. He was born in Cass County, Ill., July 26, 1889. His father was Robert H. Armstrong, a native of Cass County, who was engaged in agricultural pursuits, and his mother’s maiden name was Jennie B. Schoonover, also of Cass … Read more

Biography of Lafayette A. Angier

In every community the most substantial men lend their influence and devote their efforts towards the establishing of concerns which will give stability to the locality. Conservative policies dictate that in nothing is the public given better service than in the organization and faithful conduct of banking institutions, and Virginia owes much in this respect to Lafayette A. Angier, who, although now retired, has done much to promote the welfare of Cass County in general, and Virginia in particular. He was born just west of Virginia, in Cass County, October 1, 1852, the son of Addison G. and Anna Eliza … Read more

Biography of Milem Josiah Alkire

It is difficult to bow to the decree of death when the one taken away is still in the very prime of young manhood, and both the fellow citizens and the family of Milem Josiah Alkire of Virginia, felt especially bereft when he was taken away, for he not only was a lawyer of prominence, but also a man of sterling qualities and of lovable characteristics. He was born at Sweetwater, Ill., March 4, 1879, a son of Frank and Mary (Hurie) Alkire, both born in the vicinity of Sweetwater. Frank Alkire was engaged in farming until about 1899, when … Read more

Biography of John Richard Adkins

The late John Richard Adkins of Ashland, Ill., was one of those men whose memory is held in kindly recollection long after they have passed away. His deeds of kindness were many, and his record of a life of honest industry and helpful, peaceful neighborliness is something to be cherished by family and community. Mr. Adkins was born on the southern line of Cass County, July 10, 1839, a son of Joshua and Elizabeth (Smith) (Flinn) Adkins, natives of Tennessee, the latter being the widow of Josiah Flinn, who had left four children, they being as follows: Nancy, who is … Read more

Biography of James William Abbott

Chandlerville is the center of a rich agricultural district that looks to it as a market so that the handling of grain for the farmers is an important industry. One of the men who has made a success along this line is James William Abbott. He was born in this city, September 21, 1877, a son of James and Margaret (Lidsay) Abbott, the former born in Lancashire, England, August 30, 1853, and the latter in Mason County, Ill. The father came to Mason County, Ill., from England with his parents, and resided with them on their farm until he was … Read more

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