My Genealogy Hound

HENRY IMHOFF, a well known agriculturist of Jackson County and a successful and progressive citizen of Somerset Township, was born in Somerset County, Pa., July 5, 1836. His father, Andrew, was a son of Henry Imhoff, and was born in the same county and state as that in which our subject first saw the light. He married Miss Eliza, daughter of David and Susan Burkit and a native of Bedford County, Pa. Their union resulted in the birth of eight children: Henry, James, Joseph, Ananias, Augusta, Lemuel, Lewis and Frank. Ananias was a member of Company D, Thirty-first Illinois Infantry, during the late war, and was killed at Vicksburg June 28, 1863.

In the spring of 1855 Mr. Imhoff, Sr., came to Illinois and settled in Levan Township, Jackson County, where for a time he rented a farm. As soon as he was able, he purchased eighty acres, to which he added from time to time, until at the date of his death he owned one hundred and twenty acres. This property has been accumulated through his indefatigable industry and the exercise of strict economy. Though a stanch Democrat, he was not a politician and never sought official honors or emoluments. In religious belief he was a Lutheran. His death occurred at two o’clock on the afternoon of April 22, 1881, and his remains now lie in Mt. Joy Cemetery.

In his youth the subject of this sketch learned the trade of a blacksmith and remained in Pennsylvania until 1857. In the fall of that year he came to Jackson County and immediately built a shop and commenced to work at his trade, continuing thus engaged for about twenty years. Later he abandoned his trade in order to embark in agricultural pursuits, and is now the owner of six hundred acres in Jackson County, a portion of which he rents to desirable tenants. In politics he is a Democrat, and for eighteen years has served as School Director. Socially, he is identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Knights of Honor, and in religious belief his connections are with the Lutheran Church.

Mr. Imhoff first married Miss Mary M. Young, and they became the parents of twelve children, of whom five are now living, viz.: Elenora, the wife of James McCary; Martin C., Charles A., John E. and Wiley B. Mrs. Mary M. Imhoff passed away August 22, 1887. Afterward our subject was united in marriage with Mrs. Carrie Derickson, daughter of Jedrick and Justine Waldleusser, of Levan Township. One child has blessed this union, Norman. Though Mr. Imhoff has met with his share of reverses, he has never become discouraged, but has labored diligently and tirelessly, and as a result of his efforts he is now recognized as one of the foremost residents of Somerset Township.