McDonough ILGenWeb

HORWEDEL, August, a well-known and thriving farmer of Eldorado Township, McDonough County, Ill., was born in Baden, Germany, September 14, 1840. His parents were John and Sevilla (Fischer) Horwedel, also natives of Baden, Germany. August Horwedel was brought to the United States in 1851 by his parents, who settled on a farm in York County, Pa. There the family lived until 1866, when all but August came to Fulton County, Ill., the son following in 1866. His schooling was thus obtained partly in Germany and partly in America. In Fulton County he was employed as a bridge carpenter on the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad for twelve years. At the end of that period he bought a farm of sixty acres in Eldorado Township, McDonough County, where he has since been engaged in general farming, raising hogs, etc. He is a thorough farmer and his labors bring forth substantial results.

Mr. Horwedel has been twice married, his first wife being Sarah Plocher, a native of Pennsylvania, whom he married in August, 1861, and who died December 20, 1869. She bore him three children — Jacob, Louis and Martha Wichert (Mrs. Cooney). His second marriage took place April 19, 1870, when he was united with Rachael Mercer, who was born in Noble County, Ohio, where she received her education in the common schools. Three children were the offspring of the second union, namely: Annie (Mrs. David Miller), and Frank and Elmer, who remain under the paternal roof. Religiously, Mr. Horwedel is a devout believer in the creed of the Catholic Church, and politically, is associated with the Democratic party. He has held the office of School Director in his township for nine years.

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Source: The Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois and History of McDonough County, compiled by Dr. Newton Bateman, and Paul Shelby, 1907, volume 2, page 912, extracted 09 Mar 2019 by Norma Hass.