Transcribed and donated by Amy Robbins-Tjaden

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From The Past and Present of Woodford County Illinois (1878)

Wagner, Jacob, farmer and stock raiser; Sec. 33; P.O. Spring Bay; Luth.; Rep.; owns 320 acres of land, worth about $15.00 per acre; was born in Germany Dec. 13, 1843; came to this county with his parents in Aug. 1848; was married to Helena Belsley, Aug. 14, 1866; she was born in this county March 29, 1847; have five children living and one dead -- the eldest, an infant, died two days after it was born (no name); Joseph, born July 31, 1867; Ellen B., Oct. 8, 1869; Katherine, Sept. 24, 1871; Amalie, Feb. 24, 1874; Louise, Feb. 19, 1876. Mr. Wagner's father died in May, 1875; his mother died in March, 1874; has held office of School Director two terms, Assessor two terms, and is now holding the office of Commissioner of Highways.

Transcribed and donated by Amy Robbins-Tjaden

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Portrait and Biographical Album of Woodford County, Illinois (Chicago: Chapman Bros., 1889)

Michael C. Wagner, the popular representative of Worth Township, on the County Board of Supervisors, is quite an extensive farmer and stock-raiser of this, his native county. He is the proprietor of 360 acres of land, 250 or more of which is tillage and pasture land, the remainder being in timber. He was born in Partridge Township, Dec. 20, 1849, the youngest son of Jacob and Mary S. (Stouder) Wagner. See sketch of Jacob Wagner for parental history.

Our subject was reared in his native township. He attended school but little in his youthful days, for his father being in limited circumstances, needed his assistance on the farm. He aided his father in clearing land and in tilling the soil until his marriage. He then rented the homestead two years and after that rented other farms in the same township the ensuing seven years, and at the expiration of that time rented the farm that he now occupies. He was a great worker, and was very prosperous as a renter, and at the end of three years he purchased the farm, and has resided on it ever since, actively engaged in general farming and stock-raising.

Mr. Wagner was joined in marriage to Miss Margaret Sharp, and she made him an excellent wife, being of material assistance in bringing about his present prosperous circumstances. Her father, George Sharp, was one of the earliest settlers of Tazewell County, and is still living on the land which he bought from the Government, and has reclaimed from the wilderness. Our subject and his wife are the parents of nine children, namely: Christian, Ella, Edward, Annie, Carrie, Charles, Arthur, Ida and Harrison, the latter named in honor of President Harrison. Mr. and Mrs. Wagner are active Christian people, and members respectively of the Methodist Episcopal and Lutheran churches. Politically, our subject affiliates with the Republican party, and the high estimation in which he is held by his fellow citizens is attested by the fact that he been twice re-elected to the important office of Supervisor, in which position he is now serving his third term, in a township whose voters are, to a great extent, his political opponents.
 

Transcribed and donated by Amy Robbins-Tjaden

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From" The Biographical Record of Livingston and Woodford Counties, Illinois”


John L. Warner

For over half a century this gentleman has made his home in Woodford county, and for many years was actively identified with its agricultural interest, but is now living a retired life in the village of Secor. He was born in Northampton county, Pennsylvania, April 29, 1822, and is a son of John R. and Sarah (Konkler) Warner, also natives of the Keystone state. The father followed the boot and shoe maker’s trade throughout his active business life. In 1837 he moved to Illinois, and first located in Clark county, but in 1849 came to Woodford county and purchased a farm in Palestine township, where he made his home until called from this life at the age of sixty-five years. His wife survived him some time, and died on the home farm at the age of eighty-one. Both were laid to rest in the cemetery of Palestine township. They were consistent and faithful members of the Methodist church, and he was a Democrat in politics. A public-spirited man, he took an active interest in all that tended to the improvement and development of his county. In the family were eleven children, of whom our subject is third in order of birth. Four of the number are still living.

John L. Warner came with his parents to Illinois in 1837, and obtained his early education in the common schools of Clark county. He remained at home with his parents until twenty years of age, working on the farm which his father had purchased. On attaining his majority he left the parental roof and for some years worked by the month in Illinois. Coming to Woodford county, in 1849, he purchased a farm of one hundred and sixty acres on section 9 and 10, Palestine township, and as it was then all wild land, he made many improvements on the place, erecting a good and substantial dwelling, barns and other buildings, finally bringing the entire farm under a high state of cultivation. At the end of about six years he sold that place and bought another farm of one hundred and twenty acres of land on section 15, the same township. Here he also made many improvements, but in 1856 sold the place and purchased a partially improved farm on sections 15 and 16, Palestine township. He erected additional buildings, and continued the further improvement and cultivation of that place until 1892, when he move to the village of Secor and purchased for himself a home, where he is now enjoying a well-earned rest, surrounded by all the comforts of life.

On the 15th of September, 1850, Mr. Warner was united in marriage with Miss Syrena Potter, a native of Indiana, and a daughter of Ephraim and Elizabeth (Heddrick) Potter. Her father was born in North Carolina and at an early day moved to Indiana. He afterward came to Illinois, where both he and his wife died. By occupation he was a farmer. Mrs. Warner died in Palestine township, in April, 1892, at the age of fifty-seven years. She was a devoted wife and loving mother, and was highly respected and esteemed by all who know her. Six children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Warner, namely: Lewis C., born in Woodford county, is an invalid residing with his father in Secor: Handley G. a grocer of Peoria, married Nellie Barraga, and they have one child, John: Elizabeth and Simon both died in infancy; Marion P., is a resident of Missouri; and Emily R. is at home with her father.

Mr. Warner was a member of the Mounted Rifles in the Mexican war, and was in active service in 1847 and 1848, during which time he had the misfortune to lose the sight of his right eye. Since attaining his majority he has affiliated with the Democratic party, but has never cared for the honors or emoluments of public office. He is an advocate of all measures that would advance the interest of the community in which he lives, and through his industry and perseverance has assisted in making the county what it is today, one of the richest agricultural districts in the state. After a life of industry, he is now living retired at his pleasant home in Secor, and is numbered among its highly respected citizens, well worthy of representation in the biographical record of Woodford county.
 

Donated by Kris Murray

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Transcribed and donated by Amy Robbins-Tjaden

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The Past and Present of Woodford County Illinois (1878)

Joseph Wilkerson settled first in Jennings County, Indiana, but after some years came to Illinois, first settling at Panther Creek. About 1834-5, he removed to Metamora Township, where he bought a claim and settled, permanently. He was a brother-in-law of the Meekses of Walnut Grove settlement, and a man of sterling worth, energy and industry. He died in this neighborhood several years ago, but his widow is still living and enjoying good health for one of her years.

Early Settler Link

Transcribed and donated by Amy Robbins-Tjaden

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Transcribed and donated by Amy Robbins-Tjaden

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Andrew Wiltz, son of Peter and Mary Josephine (Full) Wiltz, was born on October 21, 1858 in Worth Township, Woodford County, IL. He inherited from his father, who died February 17, 1880, the Hickory Point Brick Yard and a tile factory located closer to the village of Metamora. He operated these businesses until about 1894 or so, when he opened a hardware store on the village square. In conjunction with this store, Andrew’s oldest son, Leroy known as Lee, had a jewelry and watch repair business.

About 1907 Andrew opened the first ice cream store on the village square as well. My father, Lambert Wiltz the second son of Andrew worked in this business for a short time. Andrew married first, Margaret Theiss, daughter of George and Caroline (Becker) Theiss of Sublette, Lee County, IL. By her Andrew had four children, two males and two females. Margaret died in Metamora on March 20, 1895. Margaret’s sister, Bertha Anna Theiss, came to live with Andrew and his children, and on May 19, 1896 Andrew and Bertha were married and had three more children, two males and one female. Andrew died on April 27, 1910 in Metamora, Woodford County, IL. He is buried in St. Mary’s Cemetery of Metamora with his first wife. Bertha outlived Andrew by nearly forty-five years.

By Ken Wiltz, of Novato, CA

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My mother was born and raised in Peoria, not Woodford County, but if you wish you can put her name in.

She was Nell Pearce, nee Nellie Martha Pearce. She came to California in
1917 my father in 1915 and they were married in Tacoma WA in 1918 when my dad was in the Army there at Camp Lewis, now Fort Lewis.

He was in the 347th Field Artillery Band of the 91st Division, San Francisco's Own. He had been drafted in the first San Francisco draft.
 

By Ken Wiltz, of Novato, CA

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Transcribed and donated by Amy Robbins-Tjaden

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Some history of Worth Township, Woodford County.

Wilz, Peter Sr.--Although not among the earliest settlers, my great, great grandparents, Peter Wilz and his wife Eva Gertrude (Huth) Wilz and their children, came to Worth Township, Woodford County that at the time, 1838, was still a part of Tazewell County. They purchased 40 acres of land in what became Section 13 of Worth Township in September 1838, at the going price of $1.25 per acre. Woodford County was established in 1841 and its Townships were established in 1845.

These pioneers were from Michelbach, Kingdom of Bavaria, where Peter had been a schoolteacher and organist. They were among eight Bavarian families who organized the first Roman Catholic Parish between La Salle, IL and St. Louis, MO, a distance of some 200 miles. In 1840 these new parishioners built their first church of logs from trees from their own lands. The church was located in what became the Northwest corner of Section 21 of Worth Township. The surnames of the other seven families are: Gindling, the family who donated 20 acres for the church grounds, Heininger, Kerker, Muller, Reising, Sauer and Wenzel.

Peter Wilz became a farmer as did most of the new comers to Illinois. His son Peter Wilz, Jr., later known as Peter Wiltz, left the farm at the age of 15 to learn the brick making trade. Peter, Jr. returned to Worth Township and in Section 20 started a brickyard. His bricks not only were used to build many of the new homes in the area, but in 1851 they were used in the building of the Woodford County Jail in Metamora. In 1852-1855 a new brick church was built in Section 16 for this early parish, from that time on called St. Mary’s. Later, 1864, a new Catholic parish church was built of Peter’s bricks in Metamora. At this writing, 2007, the two churches and the jail building, now a residence, are still standing.

By Ken Wiltz, of Novato, CA

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From Portrait and Biographical Album of Woodford County, Illinois (Chicago: Chapman Bros, 1889)

Ede Woltzen, an honored citizen and prominent farmer of Greene Township, residing on section 5, is a native of Germany. He was born in the Kingdom of Hanover, on the 23rd day of June, 1832, and is a son of Johan and Catherine (Sotthoff)* Woltzen, who were born in the same community. His father served in the German Army and participated in the battle of Waterloo under the Duke of Wellington. He made farming his principal occupation and followed that pursuit until his emigration to America. The children born to Mr and Mrs Woltzen were nine in number: Alex died in Germany; our subject; Johan is now residing in Linn Township; Albert makes his home in Roanoke Township; Simon and Henry are both engaged in merchandising in Benson; Rosina died in Illinois; Himke died in Peoria; and another child died in infancy.

The subject of this sketch passed his childhood days in the land of his birth and was educated in the public schools. His parents were members of the Lutheran Church, and in that faith he was reared, being confirmed at the age of fourteen years. He has since been one of its faithful members and is an active worker in the interests of the organization at El Paso, where he now holds membership. In 1851 the family determined to make America the scene of their future operations. Bidding good-by to home and friends, they went to Bremen, where they embarked in the sailing vessel "Atmund". After several weeks spent upon the broad ocean, the vessel dropped anchor at New Orleans, and they landed on the shores of the country, where they have since resided. Proceeding up the Mississippi and Illinois rivers, they at length reached their destination, Peoria, near which city the father afterwards rented a farm. He lived to enjoy his new home about a year and a half, when he was stricken with lung fever from which he died. His excellent wife survived him many years, dying at the advanced age of eighty-two. She was an earnest Christian woman, and was greatly beloved for her many acts of kindness to the poor and needy.

Mr. Woltzen, whose name heads this sketch, remained with his mother until attaining his majority, when he left home and began life's battle with the world. He determined to follow in the footsteps of his father and so made farming his life occupation. Renting land, he continued its cultivation for a number of years, until by his industry and untiring efforts he had accumulated sufficient capital to purchase a farm.

At the age of twenty-six years Mr Woltzen led to the marriage alter Miss Gazena Sotthoff and the union of hearts was consummated by the union of hands. This lady was also a native of Hanover, Germany, and a family of fifteen children were born unto them, only four of whom are now living: Johanna, who became the wife of J. Tombs, Harmon, Gazena, Henry and Ede; Albert, a well-to-do farmer of Greene Township, married Ella Johnson and to them have been born two children, Gazena and Lena; Alex and Herman, the two youngest are yet at home. Mr Woltzen was a second time married in 1878 when Miss Theda Harms became his wife. Four children grace their marriage, John, Gazena, Fannie and Harmon.

Mr. Woltzen is a prominent citizen of this county and is truly a self-made man. He is now the heaviest tax payer in Greene Township, and his entire possessions have been acquired by his own exertions. He began life on a rented farm, but has steadily climbed the ladder of success until his efforts have been crowned with prosperity, and he is numbered among the wealthy farmers of central Illinois. Industrious and energetic, he labored on, each year adding to his property as his financial resources were increased until he now owns 630 acres of valuable land, situated on sections 5, 8 and 9, Greene Township. He first bought eighty acres, to that added 120, afterwards purchased forty acres, then again bought a like amount, to which he has since added a tract of twenty acres, another of 180, one of seventy and still another of eighty acres. The trials and adversities which he has encountered seemed not to impede his progress, but acted as an incentive for renewed effort and served as stepping stones to something higher. He is an indefatigable worker, sober, industrious and honest, His sterling worth and strict integrity have won him the confidence and high regard of all with whom he has come in contact, and his word is as good as his bond. He has been a citizen of two of the greatest nations on the face of the globe, but though he loves Germany as the land of his birth, his sympathies are all with America, which has long been his home and his pride. She has no more true or loyal citizen or one who is more friendly to her free institutions. Mr Woltzen is an honor to the German population of this country and to the community in which he lives. In politics, he is a staunch supporter of the Democracy and does what he can to promote its interests and insure its success. None are more worthy of representation in this volume than Ede Woltzen, who is honored and respected by all who know him.

Not only has Mr. Woltzen a fine tract of land, but he has a beautiful residence, wherein peace and plenty reign supreme, and which is represented by a fine view on another page of this Album.

Click on the thumbnail to see a larger picture

(*submitter's note: should be spelled SAATHOFF)

Transcribed and donated by Amy Robbins-Tjaden

Drawing is also from "From Past and Present of Woodford County, Illinois" (Wm. Le Baron, Jr. & Co., 1878), submitted on the SAME DAY by both Amy Robbins-Tjaden and Marjorie Grebner Welsch, thus proving that great minds do think alike.

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From Past and Present of Woodford County, Illinois (Wm. Baron, Jr. & Co., 1878)

Wyman, Frederick H., far.; Sec. 23; P. O. Minonk; born in Hanover, Germany, Sept. 2, 1832; came to this country in 1852, locating in Peoria County, Ill.; resided in El Paso Township, this county, from 1859 to 1862; came to his present home in the Spring of 1866; owns 80 acres of land, valued at $4,000; married, in 1855, to Miss Clara M. Clauson; she was born in Hanover, Germany, Aug. 11, 1831; nine children--Gaska, Lewis, John, Nathan, Harm, Claus, Wallrich, Garrelt and Christian.

Transcribed and donated by Amy Robbins-Tjaden

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