John Jacob Gottsche

John Jacob Gottsche , one of the prosperous citizens of the township of Hanna , is an excellent sample of what is meant by a self-made man. He inherited only the fate common to the class to which he belonged by birth in his native land, in which there was the inevitable struggle for existence without the smallest hope or chance to advance either in fame or fortune. The laws of Germany provide for the disposal of the time of a boy, but make no provision for him to enter the competitive struggle for advancement, which is the birthright of every human creature. He landed in the United States in 1854, and was the possessor of $40 wherewith to begin his life in a strange land. He is now (188) the proprietor of 240 acres of land, and while all credit is due to his efforts, good sense and energy, fairness entitles the “good wife” to her share of the honors. The children have added their assistance, and the worthy family rejoice in the results to which they have all contributed.

    Mr. Gottsche was born June 18, 1812 , in Holstein , Germany , and from the age of 6 to 16 he went to school principally. He then worked on a farm until 1834, when he sailed for the United States . He passed 42 days on the ocean, and landed at the port of New York . He came with little delay to Chicago , and there engaged to go to the territory known to the laboring class as the Michigan Pineries. He passed a winter there, and worked during the ensuing summer in a saw-mill. He came then to Moline and obtained employ in the same capacity. He was frugal and economical, and saved his earnings, and in 1860 made his first purchase of land. He bought at the outset but 20 acres, which were situated on section 3 of Hanna Township . Three years before he began farming on land which he rented, and all the property he owned was a cow and a pair of oxen. His estate lies on sections 3, 9 and 10, in Hanna Township . The stock on the place includes eight milch cows, a number of young cattle and ten horses.

   The marriage of Mr. Goettsche to Catherine Korb took place in 1857. Their children are four in number; John is the oldest; Katie married Eugene Davis, and they live in Edford Township ; Maggie married George Taylor, a farmer of Geneseo Township ; and Henry is the youngest. Mrs. Gottsche is a native of Hamburg , Germany . The family are members of the Luterhan Church

 

1885 Portrait & Biographical Album of Henry Co., Illinois page 468