Casper Horschmann

Casper Horschmann, who is engaged in farming on section 29, township 3, range 8 west, Monroe County, was born in Deburg, Germany, November 4, 1839, and is a son of John and Elizabeth Horschmann, who in 1840 came with their family to this country, and located in Round Prairie Precinct, of Monroe County, where the father entered one hundred and twenty acres of land from the Government. He also bought one hundred and sixty acres, and had a fine farm for two hundred and eighty acres, which he opened up from a wild and uncultivated tract. He cleared the land and transformed the raw prairie into rich and fertile fields. He was one of the honored German settlers of this community and a leading farmer. In the family were five sons and two daughters, of whom the following are yet living: Peter, a resident of New Design Precinct; Casper; Jacob, of Prairie du Long; Matt, of Randolph County; Dora, who is living near Belleville Ill.; and Lizzie, wife of William Menerich. The father of this family died February 8, 1865.

Mr. Horschmann of this sketch was reared on the old homestead farm, which he helped to clear and develop, and was educated in the public schools, but his privileges in that direction were quite limited. He worked as a farm hand for a time, and then learned the butcher's trade at Centreville, where he was also employed in a brewery. During two spring seasons he was engaged in steamboating. Thus to various pursuits he developed his energies in order to get a start in life.

On the 4th of April, 1864, Mr. Horschmann was united in marriage with Miss Caroline Burker, a daughter of Louis Burker, who was a native of Germany, and who came to the United States in 1847. He first settled in Randolph County, but afterward removed to Duquoin, where he made his home for some time. Later he became a resident of Springfield, Ill. Our subject and his wife began their domestic life upon the farm which has since been their place of residence, and their union has been blessed with the following daughters: Dora Josephine, wife of Melcha Sauer, who is living in Monroe County, near Red Bud; Mary Elizabeth, wife of Michael Bell, who makes his home in Prairie du Round Township; and Gertrude, wife of Anton Scherle, of the same township.

During the late war, Mr. Horschmann was drafted for service, but on account of ill health was exempted from duty. He is recognized as one of the leading agriculturists in this community, where he owns and operates one hundred acres of fine land. He carries on farming and stock-raising, and is quite successful in his undertakings. The improvements upon his place stand as monuments to his thrift and enterprise. His residence is a comfortable and commodious dwelling, which is situated in the midst of well tilled fields, which yield to the owner a good income. He also owns a house and three lots in Red Bud. He and his family are all members of the Catholic Church, and in politics, he is a stalwart Republican. For twelve years he served as Constable, proving a capable officer. Mr. Horschmann is a self-made man, and aided by his wife, he has achieved success in life. He is a highly respected citizen, and with pleasure we present to our readers his sketch of his career.