Julius Behme, Jr. This gentleman who is the original of this sketch owns a good farm located on section 21, Nilwood Township. He is of German parentage and birth and now is in the meridian of life, having been born April 2, 1840, in Brunswick, Germany. The early years of his life were spent in his native place where he received the drill in technical as well as mental education that is an indispensable adjunct in German school life. When fifteen years of age he emigrated with his parents to America. His father was Julius Behme, and his mother Anna (Dorethe) Behme. They were both natives of Germany and came thence to this country in 1855.
The Behme family first settled in Ogle County, and from there went to St. Louis, and thence to this county, where they settled in Clyde and lived there for two years. There the mother was called away from a life of toil to a better land. The family afterward lived for one year in Polk Township, and then located in Brushy Mound Township, where they have since made their home. They had two children, William and Julius.
Our subject, Julius Behme, lived at home until his marriage when he instituted a home and hearth for himself in Brushy Mound Township. He remained there for two years and then came to Nilwood township, where he purchased one hundred acres of land. Here he has since resided having built himself a pleasant home.
Mr. Behme was married in Carlinville, June 23, 1868, to Miss Sophia Blothe, who was a daughter of Conrad H. and Sophia (Brummer) Blothe, both natives of Hanover, Germany. The mother’s decease took place in her native land before her husband and family emigrated to America. Their settlement in this country was made in 1866, the father died in Nilwood Township, leaving two children, Sophia, now Mrs. Behme, and Henry. Mrs. Behme, like her parents, is a native of Hanover, Germany, being there born December 13, 1849. She and her husband are the parents of seven children. They are: Lena W., who was married February 22, 1891, to George Klaus of Nilwood Township, Emma B., Julia M., Anna S., Katie, George J. and Albert F.
Our subject has made many improvements on his farm and he now owns one hundred and forty acres. His attention is exclusively engaged in the care of his farm and stock raising. Mr. Behme is a Republican in his political preference, and he and his wife and family are attendants of the German Lutheran Church. Like most of his countrymen who are engaged in the agricultural pursuits in this country, Mr. Behme has brought an energy and vim to bear upon his business that has insured him a success in the line that he had adopted.