Conrad Voges

Conrad Voges, a worthy representative of the agricultural interests of Randolph County, who now follows farming in township 4, range 8, claims Germany as the land of his birth. He was born hear Hanover in 1836, and is a son of Conrad and Sophia (Kothe) Voges, who were also natives of the same country. In 1852 they came with their family to America, and their first location was made in Randolph County. They owned a part of the land on which the village of Red Bud now stands. At that time the town contained only five houses. The parents afterward removed to Monroe County, where their remaining days were passed. Their family numbered the following children: Conrad, of this sketch; Henry, who is living in Monroe County; Sophia wife of William Schuck; Wilhelmina, wife of John Boren, of Red Bud; Hannah, wife of August Reibbick, who is living in Belleville; August and Hammond, both of whom are residents of Monroe County.

Our subject spent the first sixteen years of his life in Germany, and then accompanied his parents on their emigration to America. In this county, he was reared to manhood, and became familiar with farming in all its details as carried on in a frontier settlement. Having arrived at years of maturity, he was married in Randolph County to Miss Wilhelmina Kroemer. Only three of their children are now living: Dora, wife of William Hettehiemer, of this county; Sophia, wife of Fred Mehring, and Henry, who is at home and aids in the operation of the farm.

Mr. Voges is the owner of more than four hundred acres of rich land, all of which he has accumulated through his own efforts. His farm is now under a high state of cultivation, and the well tilled fields and many improvements seen, indicate the careful supervision of the owner. Mr. Voges is Secretary of the Horse Prairie Township Mutual Insurance Company. He belongs to the Lutheran Church, and in politics is a stalwart Democrat, who does all in his power to insure the success of his party. His fellow-townsmen have frequently called upon him to fill positions of public trust. He held the office of County Commissioner for one term, and for over twenty years has been School Director. For the past four years he has served as Justice of the Peace, and is now filling that office. In the discharge of his public duties, his faithfulness and promptness have won him high commendation and led to his re-election. He is true to every public and private trust, and a well spent life has won him the confidence and good will of all with whom business or social relations have brought him in contact.