George Homrighausen

George Homrighausen is a Notary Public and a well-known citizen of Red Bud. His father, Henry Homrighausen, was born in Prussia, Germany, in 1822 and came to America in 1841, locating in St. Louis, where he remained some months. In company with a friend he then went to Kansas City, but finding no employment there, returned to St. Louis, where he worked in flouring mills. In 1847 he married to Sophia Scharch, and in March 1854, came with his family to Monroe County, Ill., where he purchased eighty acres of land. The forty-acre tract on which he settled was but partially improved. He at once began its further development, and from time to time made additional purchase, until at his death he owned five hundred and sixty acres of valuable and highly improved land. He came to this country a poor man, but by industry and economy arose to a position of affluence.

To Mr. and Mrs. Homrighausen were born ten children, eight of whom grew to mature years: George, of this sketch; Fran, of Monroe County; John, who resides on the old homestead; William and August, who are also living in Monroe County; Catherine, who makes her home with the brothers just mentioned; Elizabeth, wife of Ernst Heyl, of Monroe County; and Annie, wife of George Hepp, Jr., of Monroe County. The father of this family held many offices of public trust. He served for sixteen years as Justice of the Peace, was seven years Town Treasurer, and was filling that position at the time of death. In politics he was a stanch Republican, and was a member of the Evangelical Church, in which he took an active interest. He died April 5, 1884, and his wife passed away October 2, 1887. They were consistent Christian people and had the high regard of all who knew them.

George Homrighausen was born in St. Louis in 1851, and was only three years old when his parents came to Illinois. He grew to manhood on his father's farm, aiding in the labors of the field in the summer months and attending the common schools through the winter. He thus acquired a knowledge of the common branches, and at the age of sixteen he entered the seminary of Oakfield, Mo. Later he attended school in Waterloo, and having successfully passed an examination in 1869, he taught his first school in Prairie du Long in the following winter, after which he taught five consecutive terms in the Union school. Afterward he followed his profession in Monroe County, having charge of the school at Freedom. Through each winter season until 1885 he followed the vocation of a teacher at various places. I 1873 he attended the Normal department of the Southern Illinois University, of Carbondale. In 1885 he abandoned teaching and devoted his time to farming until 1891, when he located in Red Bud.

In 1876 Mr. Homrighausen married Miss Elizabeth, daughter of Philip Sauer, one of the pioneers of Monroe County and native of Germany. He came to America in 1833, at the age of twenty-four, locating in Pennsylvania, and remaining there until 1838, when he removed to Arkansas and engaged in contract work. In 1839 he removed to Monroe County, where he purchased and improved two hundred and eighty-eight acres of land, making his home thereon until his death. His wife bore the maiden name of Elizabeth Sensel and was a resident of Roung Prairie. They became the parents of the following children: Nicholas and William, who are millers, of Evansville; Philip, a farmer of Randolph County; Mary, deceased; Catherine, Mrs. August Slehfesl, now deceased; Magdalena, Mrs. John Barthe, Jr.; Elizabeth, wife of our subject; and Sophia, wife of Frank Homrighausen.

Our subject owns a valuable property in Red Bud and a well-improved farm of one hundred and sixty acres in Monroe County, which yields to him a good income. He devotes his time to looking after his interests and to his duties as Notary Public. He held the office of Town Treasurer in Prairie du ling for eight years and was nominated on the Independent ticket for County Clerk. He as one of the organizers of the Farmer's Mutual Benefit Association of Monroe County and served as its President for several years. He is a member and Trustee of the Protestant Evangelical Church, and has lived an honorable, upright life, which has gained him the confidence and good will of all with whom he has been brought in contact. He is numbered among the pioneer settlers of this locality and is well known in Randolph and adjoining counties.