Will County IL Archives Biographies.....Jacobs, John ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/il/ilfiles.htm ************************************************ File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Deb Haines http://www.rootsweb.com/~archreg/vols/00003.html#0000719 February 7, 2008, 12:41 am Author: Past and Present Will County IL; 1907 John Jacobs is now living retired in a beautiful home in Peotone, while he also owns three hundred and sixty acres of finely improved farming land in Will county, from which he derives a good income, which supplies him with all of the comforts and many of the luxuries of life. Mr. Jacobs is one of the worthy citizens that Germany has furnished to this country, his birth having occurred in Hanover, May 15, 1851, a son of Henry and Catherine (Tiemann) Jacobs, the former born in Hanover in 1817. They emigrated to this country a few years after our subject arrived here and both died at his home in Peotone township, the former in 1884, while the mother survived until 1891, passing away at the age of seventy-three years. Their family numbered three sons, of whom John of this review is the youngest, the others being Henry, who is a farmer living in Manteno township, Kankakee county, where he takes an active part in political affairs and is now serving as supervisor, while William Jacobs, who followed farming in Peotone township, died at the age of fifty years, leaving a widow, who still makes her home on the farm. John Jacobs was reared in his native country to the age of seventeen years, when, having heard favorable reports concerning the advantages offered to ambitious young men in America, he decided to try his fortune across the Atlantic. He made his way direct to Illinois, where lived his brother Henry, who had come to this country a few years previous. Mr. Jacobs was a poor boy, having no capital when he arrived in this state, but he possessed a strong determination and a will to succeed. He soon found employment at farm labor and when he had saved a sum of money continued his journey farther west, locating in Pierce county, Nebraska, where he purchased one hundred and twenty acres of land. He then returned to Kankakee county, Illinois, where he was married, expecting to return again to Nebraska but his plans were somewhat changed and he remained in this state. He began farming here by renting land for a few years, but in 1880 he purchased eighty acres in Peotone township, erecting thereon many modern and substantial buildings. He labored diligently and energetically in his efforts to acquire a good property and as his financial resources permitted he added to his original holdings until he is now the owner of one hundred and sixty acres comprised in the old homestead farm, this being operated by his son, while he owns another farm of two hundred acres, which is operated by his son-in-law. He was engaged in general agricultural pursuits through a long period, during which time he followed the most practical and modern methods of farming, using only the latest improved machinery to facilitate his labors in the care and cultivation of his crops. He made his home on the farm until four years ago, when he removed to Peotone, where he purchased one of the most beautiful homes in the city, paying for the same thirty-two hundred dollars. The house is supplied with every modern convenience and equipment and the property presents a neat and attractive appearance. On the 20th of November, 1874, occurred the marriage of Mr. Jacobs and Miss Margaret Schnelly, who was likewise a native of Hanover, born February 10, 1852. Her father, John Schnelly, died in Germany at the age of eighty-two years, while her mother, who bore the maiden name of Marie Marvell, was also born in the fatherland, but died at the home of her daughter in Manteno, Kankakee county, in 188O. Mrs. Jacobs has two sisters living, Mrs. Christ Wolle and Mrs. Mary Bockermann, who reside in Manteno, Illinois. She also has a half-brother, John Schelle, living in Minnesota. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Jacobs have been born two daughters and one son: Emma, now the wife of Fred Simpson, who is operating one of her father's farms in Peotone township; John, who wedded Mary Hoganow and lives on the old homestead farm; and Minnie, an accomplished young lady at home. Mr. Jacobs and his family are consistent members of the German Lutheran church, of which he has been treasurer for the past fifteen years, while the daughter, Minnie, is acting as treasurer of the Sunday school. The cornerstone of the new church edifice, which was erected in 1904, bears the name of Mr. Jacobs, he being a member of the extra committee. Mr. Jacobs is a stalwart advocate of republican principles and although he has been urged to accept public office he has always refused the honor, preferring to give his time and attention to his private business interests. In former years Mr. Jacobs worked industriously and energetically to gain a start in the world, and that his efforts have been crowned with success is indicated by the fact that he is now the owner of valuable farming property and a good home in the city, all of which has been acquired through his own well directed efforts and capable business management, for when he came as a youth to this country he had no capital, but he has worked his way upward from the bottom to the topmost round of the ladder and can now look over his past record with a feeling of just pride for what he has accomplished. He and his family are prominent in church and social circles and the hospitality of their own pleasant home is greatly enjoyed by their many friends. Additional Comments: PAST AND PRESENT OF WILL COUNTY, ILLINOIS By W. W. Stevens President of the Will County Pioneers Association; Chicago: The S. J. Clarke Publishing Company, 1907 File at: http://files.usgwarchives.net/il/will/bios/jacobs2606nbs.txt This file has been created by a form at http://www.genrecords.net/ilfiles/ File size: 6.1 Kb