JOHN W. HIMMEL, farmer and stock dealer; P. O. Topeka; son of Adam Himmel, of Germany, who came to Illinois in 1846, and is still living in Quiver Township. Mr. Himmel's mother's maiden name was Weiss, daughter of Henry Weiss, of Germany, a teacher and musician. The subject of this sketch was born Aug. 12,1830, in Germany, and remained there until 16, occupied with going to school at Weinheim; in 1846, he came to New Orleans, and shortly afterward to St. Louis, Mo., and was engaged in the Arsenal, making cartridges for the Mexican war, continuing for five years, when he came to Mason Co., Ill., and engaged in working on a farm for his uncle George Himmel for four years; he then went to making rails; in 1854, he began farming for himself, on a farm now owned by J. Shrine, and remained there four years; in 1858, he bought the present farm of 160 acres, which he has made one of fine quality; he has added largely to his land, owning also quite an amount in Iowa. His marriage with Elizabeth Pfeit, daughter of John Pfeit, of Germany, was celebrated in 1854, nine children were the fruit of this union. In 1851, Mr. Himmel experienced religion in the Evangelical Association, in which work he throws his whole soul, and has been a local minister since 1858; his wife and part of the children are members of the same denomination; he has held offices in the church, and was Township Collector for several years, and is, at present, Township Treasurer and Assessor, and has been for ten years; he is also Treasurer of the Farmers Fire Insurance Company, of Mason Co.; he prides himself on securing for his children valuable literature; to record, here, what friends and neighbors have said to us of him would appear too much of flattery for these pages.



Maintained by Mason County Coordinator Donna Mayer