Will County IL Archives Biographies.....Gottschalg, Henry 
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File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by:
Deb Haines ddhaines@gmail.com November 10, 2007, 12:21 am

Author: Genealogical and Biographical Record of Will County

HENRY GOTTSCHALG, who resides at No. 411 Collins street, Joliet, was born in 
Joliet Township in 1862, and has spent his entire life in this county, 
devoting his attention to agricultural pursuits. His father, August, a native 
of Saxony, Germany, learned the shoemaker's trade in his youth and followed it 
for some time in his native land, where he also worked as a stone mason. In 
accordance with the national custom he served his time in the German army. In 
June, 1847, ne came to the United States, proceeding direct to Joliet, at that 
time a small village in the midst of an unimproved farm region. Soon after his 
arrival he purchased twenty acres three miles east of Joliet, on Maple street, 
in Joliet Township. The land was unimproved, and was practically in its 
primeval condition. He set himself to the task of clearing and cultivating the 
place, erecting needed buildings and fences, and making such improvements as 
his means rendered possible. He continued to make his home on the same place 
until 1892, when advancing years with their attendant infirmities caused him 
to retire from active labors. Having met with success in his enterprises he 
was able to spend his declining days in the enjoyment of a competency that had 
been justly earned and merited. From time to time he had added to his 
possessions until he was the owner of four hundred and twelve acres in this 
county and two hundred and twenty acres in Nebraska, in addition to city 
property; and this large acreage was remarkable when it is remembered that he 
came to America with little means. He died in Joliet October 2, 1898, when 
almost seventy-six years of age. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Dora 
Ford, was born in Saxony, Germany, and died in Joliet July 22, 1898, at the 
age of seventy-three years. Seven children born to their union are now living, 
namely: Amiel and Oscar, who are farmers in Nebraska; Matilda, wife of Louis 
Huff; Lillia, who married C. C. Colby; Henry; John, of Joliet; and Augusta, 
who is the wife of Henry Rub. The education of our subject was acquired in the 
country schools of this county. Familiar with farm work from his youth he 
naturally selected agriculture for his life occupation. In 1889 he began 
independent farming on the old Berger farm in New Lenox Township, at first 
renting the place, but in 1894 purchasing it, and he continued to reside there 
for some years, engaging in the raising of cattle and horses, in addition to 
general farming. All of the improvements on the place were made under his 
personal supervision. He built the residence, which is a comfortable farm 
house, and also put up other buildings as needed. In February, 1899, he moved 
from the farm into the city, in order to give his children the educational 
advantages he desired for them. He has never been active in politics, although 
he keeps posted concerning the questions brought before our country for 
solution, and in his opinions inclines toward Republican doctrines. The 
marriage of Mr. Gottschalg took place in 1889 and united him with Maggie, 
daughter of Adam Meyer, a resident of Troy Township. They have four children, 
Ivy Augusta, Estella Ida, Elmer A. and Carl August. The family are connected 
with the Lutheran Church.

Additional Comments:
Genealogical and Biographical Record of Will County Illinois Containing 
Biographies of Well Known Citizens of the Past and Present, Biographical 
Publishing Company, Chicago, 1900

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