My Genealogy Hound

WAND, WILLIAM, retired; residence corner 18th and Oak streets; was born in Prussia, Aug. 2, 1820; received his early education in the schools of his native country; in 1846 emigrated to the United States, and settled in Marion county, Mo., where he lived about three years; then went to California on a gold-hunting expedition, and moderately succeeded. After being gone one and a half years returned home, and in 1852 settled in Melrose township, on section 34, where his son John now lives. In October, 1847, he married Miss Margaretta Beckman. She was born in Germany, and came to this country in 1846. They have six children, four sons and two daughters: Henry W., Collector of Melrose township; Christian, a merchant on Maine street; John, Enoch, Mary and Margaretta. He owns 414 acres of land, in a high state of cultivation, well improved, and with abundance of fruit, and very valuable. Democratic in politics, and member of the Roman Catholic church. Has been Commissioner of Highways for five years. In fall of 1878 he built an elegant residence in Quincy, and retired from active life, previous to which time he has been numbered among the largest well-to-do farmers of the county, notwithstanding he began life poor.